The Eyelash Viper is a species of venomous pit viper that is native to parts of Central and South America.
This species of Viper is highly arboreal and will spend most of its time hanging on tree branches and vines off the forest floor.
It is a stunning species of snake comes in a range of different vibrant color variations and is known for the superciliary scales above their eyes that resemble eyelashes.
Eyelash Viper Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Eyelash Viper belongs to is called Viperidae or simply the Viper family of snakes.
This is one of the most popular families of venomous snakes in the world along with the Elapid family.
Vipers are found throughout most of the world but an interesting fact about vipers is that they are not native to Australia. The majority of venomous snakes in Australia are from the Elapid family.
Even though Australia has ‘Adders’, such as the Common Death Adder, these ‘Adders’ are not related to the ‘Viper’ Adders of Africa and actually belong to the Elapid Family.
Some of the other species in this family include the European Adder, the Fer De Lance, the Gaboon Viper and the Horned Adder.
Genus
The genus that the Eyelash Viper belongs to is called Bothriechis. This is a genus of Pit Vipers that are commonly referred to as Palm Vipers.
Most of the species in this genus are from Mexico and other Central American countries but some can also be found in South America.
There are currently 11 recognised species in this genus including the Blotched Palm Viper and the Guatemala Palm Pit Viper.
Species
The scientific name for the Eyelash Viper is Bothriechis schlegelii and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1846 by a German zoologist named Arnold Adolph Berthold.
Eyelash Viper Description
The Eyelash Viper is a relatively small species of snake, with adults typically reaching a length of around 2 feet, although some individuals can grow up to 3 feet in length.
It has a stocky body and a triangular-shaped head which is characteristic of pit vipers.
One of the most striking features of the eyelash viper is its vibrant coloration. It displays a wide range of color variations, including shades of green, yellow, brown, and red.
These colors are often accompanied by intricate patterns and markings, such as blotches, speckles, or stripes.
This variability in coloration helps the snake blend in with its environment, making it an excellent ambush predator.
This species gets its common name from the elongated, horn-like scales above its eyes. These scales are raised and have a fringe-like appearance, resembling eyelashes.
The purpose of these scales is not entirely understood, but they may serve a defensive function by helping to shield the eyes.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Eyelash Viper is native to the rainforests of Central and South America, including countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
They are arboreal snakes, spending much of their time in trees, bushes, and low vegetation.
They have a preference for humid environments and are often found near streams or rivers.
Eyelash Viper Behaviour
The Eyelash Viper is an arboreal species and will spend the vast majority of its time in the canopies of the rainforest.
These vipers will prey on small vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, birds, and occasionally small mammals.
They are sit-and-wait predators, relying on their excellent camouflage to ambush unsuspecting prey.
Once within striking distance, the snake will strike quickly, injecting venom into its prey.
Eyelash Viper Venom
The Eyelash Viper possesses venom that is highly potent and is primarily used for subduing prey.
Its venom contains a mix of toxins, including hemotoxins that affect the blood and tissues of the bitten organism.
While their venom can be dangerous to their prey and humans, fatalities resulting from eyelash viper bites are relatively rare, thanks to the availability of antivenom and medical treatments.
