Eyelash viper
A species of Palm vipers, Also known as Eyelash palm viper, Schlegel's viper, Schlegel's palm viper, Eyelash lancehead Scientific name : Bothriechis schlegelii Genus : Palm vipers
Eyelash viper, A species of Palm vipers
Also known as:
Eyelash palm viper, Schlegel's viper, Schlegel's palm viper, Eyelash lancehead
Scientific name: Bothriechis schlegelii
Genus: Palm vipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By hemispingus , used under CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Bothriechis schlegelii, the eyelash viper, is a venomous pit viper species found in Central and South America. Small and arboreal, this species is characterized by a wide array of color variations, as well as the superciliary scales above the eyes. It is the most common of the green palm-pitvipers (genus Bothriechis), and is often present in zoological exhibits. The specific name schlegelii honors Hermann Schlegel, who was a German ornithologist and herpetologis
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Eyelash viper's primary food source comprises of small vertebrates, particularly lizards and birds. it is also known to consume insects, highlighting the opportunistic and carnivorous nature of its dietary habits.
Appearance
Eyelash viper is a medium-sized venomous snake with a slender body covered in keeled scales, featuring a pronounced prehensile tail for grip. Its vibrant coloration ranges from pale yellow to deep green, often with a yellow or red tail tip. The body displays lateral rows of dark or black blotches, setting a striking contrast to its lighter scales. Notably, the snake has a pair of heat-sensitive pits located between the eyes and nostrils, distinguishing it visually from other species.
Behavior
Eyelash viper primarily exhibits nocturnal and arboreal behaviors, often using its prehensile tail for skillful navigation through forests. Known as a solitary creature, it employs vivid coloration as an effective deterrent against potential predators. Its primarily venomous defense and hunting approach underscores its strategic behavior for survival in diverse tropical ecosystems.
Population
Stable
Photo By hemispingus , used under CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Palm vipers Species
Eyelash viper