A heavy-bodied neotropical pit viper responsible for most snakebite injuries in Central and South America.
Description
A thick, broad-headed pit viper averaging 1.2 to 1.8 m, marked with bold dark triangles edged in cream on a tan, olive, or grey background. The head is unmistakably lance-shaped, and a pair of dark stripes runs from each eye back to the angle of the jaw.
Behavior
The fer-de-lance is famously bad-tempered and quick to strike, with potent hemotoxic venom that causes severe local tissue destruction and bleeding. It is most active at night, hunting rodents and frogs in agricultural areas — a habit that brings it into frequent contact with people.
Range
Found from southeastern Mexico south through Central America to northern South America. It is a major medical concern across this region and the leading cause of snakebite mortality in many countries.
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Fer-de-Lance starts with F and ends with E. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
Snakes that contain a letter from "Fer-de-Lance":