Jararaca pintada
A species of Lanceheads Scientific name : Bothrops neuwiedi Genus : Lanceheads
Jararaca pintada, A species of Lanceheads
Scientific name: Bothrops neuwiedi
Genus: Lanceheads
Content
Description General Info
Photo By CHUCAO , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Bothrops neuwiedi is a venomous pit viper species endemic to South America. This relatively small snake has a wide range and is a major source of snakebite in Argentina. It was named after German naturalist Prince Maximilian of Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867), who made important collections in Brazil (1815-1817). Twelve subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Jararaca pintada is largely a carnivorous species, with its diet dominantly consisting of small mammals. It exhibits ambush predation behavior and particularly prefers rodents, employing successfully adapted hunting techniques to secure its meals.
Appearance
Jararaca pintada is a medium-sized snake with slender body shape and smooth, scaly skin. It’s predominantly brown or grayish-brown, often with diamond-shaped dorsal patterns. They have elongated, triangular-shaped heads, with facial pits between the eye and the nostril. Although largely similar, their juvenile counterparts sport more vibrant and contrasting patterns. No significant differences occur between males and females in appearance.
Behavior
Jararaca pintada is primarily nocturnal, hunting for small rodents, lizards, and frogs after sundown. This solitary species utilizes ambush predation, waiting patiently to strike prey with rapid speed. Exhibiting a highly sedentary lifestyle, jararaca pintada seldom strays far from its favored resting places, showing high site fidelity. Males exhibit aggression and wrestling behavior during mating periods to secure a mate. This species displays a fascinating defensive 'warning' behavior, rattling its tail against dry leaves to mimic venomous rattlesnakes when threatened.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Lanceheads Species
Jararaca pintada 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
