Bothrops erythromelas

(Amaral, 1923)

Vernacular names
English : Caatinga lancehead
French : Fer-de-lance de la Caatinga

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 85 cm but generally are about 50 cm long. Fairly small head. Coloration beige to reddish brown with dark spots and blotches on back and upper flanks. Large dark areas on cheeks, from eye to neck.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South America and is endemic to Brazil, being found in the north-eastern parts of the country from Maranhao to Minas Gerais. Lives in dry tropical forests and woodlands, open rocky areas, to 2000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly large range and remains fairly common locally. Population declines have been experienced because of habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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