Jararaca Pintada

About the Jararaca Pintada

Common names: Neuwied's lancehead, jararaca pintada. Bothrops neuwiedi is a highly venomous pit viper species endemic to South America. This relatively small snake has a wide geographic 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). Seven subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Adults of Bothrops neuwiedi average 60–70 centimetres (23+1⁄2–27+1⁄2 in) in total length (tail included), but may grow to as long as 100 cm (39+1⁄2 in). Head scalation includes 7–11 keeled intrasupraoculars (rarely 12 or as few as five), 9–13 sublabials (usually 10–11) and seven to eight supralabials (rarely seven or 10), the second of which is not fused with and usually separated from the prelacunal. Two rows of small scales usually separate the subocular and fourth supralabial scales. At midbody the 22–29 (usually 25–27) rows of dorsal scales are strongly keeled. The ventral scales number 158–179 and 164–185 in males and females, respectively, while the subcaudal scales are divided and number 39–56 or... Wikipedia →