Reptile · GBIF taxon 5220775
Bothrops atrox
Bothrops atroxAlso known as Fer-de-Lance, Barba Amarilla, Mapepire Balsain
Common lanceheads are adaptable pit vipers that dominate the forest floors and riverbanks of northern South America. Active primarily at night, they lie in wait among leaf litter or low vegetation to ambush prey detected using heat-sensing loreal pits. Juveniles sport bright yellow tail tips used as lures to attract frogs and small lizards into striking range.
Pit ViperNocturnalAmbush Predator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small rodents
- Tree frogs
- Lizards
Predators
- Mussurana snakes
- Raptors
- Large mammalian carnivores
ThreatsDirect persecution, habitat loss
HabitatsTropical rainforests, swamps, riverbanks, agricultural edges
Life span12–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- GenusBothrops
- SpeciesBothrops atrox
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Highly venomous pit viper capable of severe envenomation; observe strictly from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Venom contains potent hemotoxins and cytotoxins that cause severe tissue necrosis, internal bleeding, and systemic shock.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identified by a distinct triangular head, yellowish throat, and brownish body marked with dark diamond patterns.
- What to do
- Never attempt to handle or corner a lancehead, and maintain several meters of distance on forest trails.
Responsible observation
- Watch your step: Tread carefully along rainforest trails and avoid stepping directly over fallen logs.
- Use a torch: Carry a bright light during night walks when pit vipers are actively hunting.
- Maintain distance: Back away slowly if spotted, keeping a buffer of at least three meters.
Predator Co-occurring Viper 
Close Relative thibaudaronson / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Ibere Machado, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.