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Bushmaster

Lachesis muta

Range

found in the rainforests of Central and South America

Habitat

lowland wet or moist forests

Distinguishing Characteristics

The snout is distinctly rounded and the back presents a vertebral ridge. The dorsal scales bear tubercular keels that make the body appear rough. The dorsal surface can be yellow, tan, and dark brown with black diamond shaped blotches.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: rats

Diet in the Wild: primarily rodents & marsupials

Life Span

Reports of up to 9 years in captivity

Behavior/Adaptations

* Bushmasters are ambush predators and lay in wait for their prey.
* Bushmasters are sometimes used as a food source in their native countries.
* One of the largest pit vipers, the bushmaster can reach lengths of 10 feet or more.
* Unique amongst American pit vipers in that it is oviparous-it lays eggs.
 

Status

Relatively uncommon and has restricted distribution but is not listed with any special concern.

Classification

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family	Genus	Species
Animalia	Chordata	Reptilia	Squamata	Viperidae	Lachesis	muta