Bothrocophias microphthalmus
A species of Forest pitvipers Scientific name : Bothrocophias microphthalmus Genus : Forest pitvipers
Bothrocophias microphthalmus, A species of Forest pitvipers
Scientific name: Bothrocophias microphthalmus
Genus: Forest pitvipers
Content
Description General Info
Photo By agbentley77 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Bothrocophias microphthalmus, or the small-eyed toad-headed pitviper, is a species of venomous snake in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to northwestern South America.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Bothrocophias microphthalmus's dietary habits are predominantly carnivorous, feeding mainly on small rodents. This species exhibits a preference for consuming field mice, voles, and occasionally, small reptiles or amphibians.
Appearance
Bothrocophias microphthalmus is a medium-sized snake, with a lean cylindrical body covered in smooth scales. This species is distinct for its generally dark brown, almost black coloration, highlighted by irregular, subtle vertical striations. Its head shape is distinct, with a short, upturned snout. The small eyes of bothrocophias microphthalmus are a noticeable feature, hence its name. There are no notable sexual dimorphism or age-related appearance differences in this species.
Behavior
Bothrocophias microphthalmus exhibits a primarily nocturnal lifestyle, hunting for its prey under the cover of darkness. As a solitary species, it keeps a defined territory, which it defends fiercely. Bothrocophias microphthalmus has a strike-and-release hunting style, incapacitating prey with its venom and tracking it afterward. This adaptation aids in its survival in densely forested habitats.
Photo By agbentley77 , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Forest pitvipers Species
Bothrocophias microphthalmus