tail, the Eyelash Palm- Pitviper feeds on small rodents
as well as tree frogs and anole lizards.
There are 14 species of montane or hog- nosed
pitvipers (genera Porthidium and Atropoides). One,
the Jumping Pitviper (A. nummifer), which ranges
from southern Mexico through Panama, is alleged to
sometimes hurl itself at a perceived attacker, a claim that
is apparently exaggerated, though it sounds exciting.
A short snake with a very thick body, it is gray- brown
with black diamonds. Its venom is apparently not as
potent as that of other pitvipers.
Rattlesnakes are mostly North American, with the
majority of species found in northern and central
Mexico. However, one species, the Neotropical
Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), occurs from Central
America to Brazil and Paraguay, mainly in dry forests
and uplands. It is a regionally variable species, but as
it is basically the only rattler in South America, if a
scary- looking coiled serpent rattles at you, be assured
it’s this one— and be careful. The snake has an elaborate
threat display, and it is not bluffing. The bite of this
animal results in progressive paralysis of muscles due
to nerve paralysis, accompanied by destruction of red
blood cells and kidney failure. This cascade results in a
mortality rate of 72% without treatment.
The Bushmaster (Lachesis muta; plate 16- 68) is the
giant of the pitvipers. Not only is it the largest pitviper
in the Neotropics, it is the world’s largest, reaching
lengths of between 2 and 3.3 m (6.5– 11.7 ft). My
group and I encountered a Bushmaster as it was slowly
crossing a road at night in Trinidad and estimated
the snake to be approximately 2.7– 3 m (9– 10 ft) in
length (it seemed prudent not to try for a more precise
measurement). As its head was descending into the
gully on the right side of the road, its tail had yet to
emerge from the gully on the left side of the road. It
was a truly magnificent creature to behold, seen to
advantage in the headlights of our van, as my group
remained at a respectable, safe distance.
The Bushmaster is generally yellowish tan, reddish
brown, or pinkish tan, patterned with dark brown
diamond- shaped splotches, the broadest splotches on its
back, not its sides, as is typical in Bothrops pitvipers. The
Bushmaster is reputed to strike without audible warning,
though it usually does vibrate its tail, and that action can
be audible when done in dry leaves. It is also known to
threaten with its neck inflated when coiled. Because of
its length, a Bushmaster can strike over a long distance.
It has large fangs and can deliver a high dose of venom.There are not a great many reports of Bushmaster
strikes on people, but those that exist are peppered
with the word “fatality.” This snake is an inhabitant of
lowland rain forest throughout lower Central America,
Amazonia, and the southeastern coastal forest of Brazil,
and is reportedly often seen coiled within buttresses of
large trees. It is most active at dawn and dusk, as well
as throughout the night. The snake feeds primarily on
mammals and birds. Careful now.Pitviper Wannabes
On a trip to Peru, several of us encountered a small,
slender, emerald green snake resting in the middle
of the trail, looking innocuous, even for a serpent. I
could see no pits, its eyes were not vertically slit, and its
head was slender, not triangular. I decided that it was
nonvenomous, as are most Neotropical snake species.
Nonetheless, always erring on the side of caution, I
fetched a small stick and gently (I thought) prodded
the creature’s tail end to encourage it to vacate the trail.
I assumed it would hasten along. It didn’t. It apparently
took offense, coiled, lifted its head high, opened its
mouth very wide, and vigorously struck (though it
came nowhere near me— I am no stranger to evasive
action). As it continued with this aggressive behavior,
its head seemed to actually flatten and become
increasingly triangular. It put on a good act, in line
with the notion that the best defense is a strong offense.
Many Neotropical nonvenomous snake species have
evolved a behavior when threatened that is similar
to that of venomous species, especially pitvipers. In
effect, they are pitviper behavioral mimics. Given
that nonvenomous snakes may become Neotropical
thespians, how do you know for sure when you are
dealing with the real thing, an actual venomous snake?
Just assume you are, and you’ll be fine.Coral Snakes“Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend
of Jack.” This is a little rhyme to help remember the
distinction between potentially lethal North American
coral snakes and nonvenomous, harmless king snakes
(if red bands touch yellow bands, it’s a coral snake,
but if red bands touch black bands, it’s not). But be
advised that this lyrical distinction does not work in
the Neotropics. There are just over 50 species of coral
snakes in the Neotropics, and many (probably most)chapter 16 from monkeys to tarantulas: endless eccentricities 349