The eyelash viper (formerly Bothriechis schlegelii, now part of a species complex) is a venomous pit viper species found in Central and South America. Known for its distinctive "eyelashes" and vibrant color variations, this arboreal snake has captivated scientists and reptile enthusiasts alike.
The most distinguishing feature of the eyelash viper, and the origin of its common name, is the presence of modified scales above the eyes that look much like eyelashes. These "eyelashes" are thought to aid in camouflage, breaking up the snake's outline among the foliage where it hides.
Eyelash vipers exhibit a wide array of color variations, including yellow, red, brown, green, pink, and even blue, as well as various combinations thereof. They often have black or brown speckling on the base color. This polychromatism, or wide variation in color, is a defining characteristic of the species complex.
Eyelash vipers are relatively small snakes, with adults ranging from 55 to 82 cm (22 to 32 in) long. Females tend to be slightly longer and more variable in size than males. They have a wide, triangular-shaped head, and eyes with vertical pupils. Their scales are keeled, meaning they are rough and sharp to the touch, which helps them grip branches in their arboreal habitat.
Eyelash vipers are native to Central and South America. They are found in southern Mexico, throughout Central America, and into northern Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador.
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These snakes prefer humid, tropical areas with dense foliage, generally not far from a permanent water source. They inhabit wet forests, cloud forests, and tropical moist forests with mid to low elevations, often found in shrubs, bushes, vine tangles, trees, and palms. The eyelash viper moves readily between the ground and canopy.
Until recently, the eyelash viper was considered a single species, Bothriechis schlegelii. However, a systematic revision in 2024, based on DNA sequencing and morphological data, led to the recognition of several new species within the Bothriechis schlegelii species complex. This revision underscores the importance of ongoing research in understanding biodiversity and conservation needs. The species complex now includes:
Eyelash vipers are primarily nocturnal, spending their days coiled up in trees, often in a tight bundle. They are well-adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, possessing a strong, prehensile tail that they use to secure themselves around tree limbs.
Eyelash vipers are ambush predators, waiting patiently for unsuspecting prey to wander by. They are carnivores, feeding on small mammals like bats or mouse opossums, as well as birds, lizards, and frogs.
Juvenile eyelash vipers often employ "caudal luring," wiggling their tail in a worm-like fashion to entice potential prey to move within striking range. Adults may select specific ambush sites, returning each year in time for the spring bird migration.
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These vipers have heat-sensitive pits on either side of their head, located between the eye and nostril. These pits allow them to detect prey by sensing differences in body temperature, giving them a "sixth" sense for detecting warm-blooded animals in their environment.
Eyelash vipers are polygynous, meaning that one male mates with more than one female. During the mating season, males engage in a courtship ritual called a "dance of the adders," in which they posture and intimidate one another in an upright, "cobra-like" stance.
They are ovoviviparous, meaning that females retain the fertilized eggs within their body. Each developing baby snake is contained within a fibrous membrane and is nourished by surrounding yolk. They either hatch out of the membrane while still inside the snake or they hatch just after the eggs are laid. Clutch size is usually 12 to 20, and may contain young of several different color morphs. Neonates are about 15 to 18 cm long and are fairly well developed, already capable of delivering a bite.
Eyelash vipers are venomous, possessing large, hypodermic needle-like fangs in the upper jaw that fold back when not in use. Their venom has neurotoxic and haemostatic properties.
While they are venomous, eyelash vipers are not considered especially dangerous. They are not very aggressive, and bites are not common and rarely fatal. However, a bite from an eyelash viper should be treated with caution. Symptoms can include pain, bruising, changes in heart rate, and numbness.
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Eyelash viper populations have not been evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, the recent taxonomic revision, which has identified multiple distinct species, raises concerns about the conservation status of some of these newly recognized species.
Threats to eyelash vipers include habitat loss due to deforestation and the clearing of land for agriculture and livestock ranching. They are also preyed upon by a wide variety of animals, including large raptors, mammals, and other snakes.
Despite the inherent danger of its venom, the eyelash viper is frequently available in the exotic animal trade and is well represented in zoos worldwide. It is frequently captive-bred for color and pattern.
Due to their yellow coloration and overlapping distribution with banana plantations, eyelash vipers have accidentally traveled the world in banana shipments.
There is a myth among villagers in some small areas of South America that the eyelash viper will wink, flashing its "eyelashes" at its victim, following a venomous strike. In fact, snakes are not physiologically capable of such behavior, as they have no eyelids and can not close their eyes.
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