Lachesis muta

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : South American bushmaster
French : Maitre de la brousse d’Amérique du Sud

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

Identification
The longest member of its family, reaching a maximum length of 3.5 m for a weight of 5 kg. Dorsal scales are heavily keeled and feature bulbous tubercles. Coloration is beige-brown with laterally-inverted triangular dark blotches on back.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from Colombia, Venezuela and Guianas to South-central Brazil and Bolivia. Lives in primary and secondary forests, in hilly regions and lowlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is globally rare in the wild and could become threatened by habitat loss and persecution. Atlantic forest population is endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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