A massive South American pit viper of Atlantic rainforest, larger and even more venomous than its slimmer cousin the jararaca.
Description
The jararacussu is a heavy-bodied pit viper usually 1.5 to 2 m long, with a yellow-gold or olive ground colour and dark trapezoidal blotches arranged irregularly along the back. The head is broad and lance-shaped, set off from a slimmer neck, and the eyes have vertical pupils.
Behavior
Despite being heavier than the jararaca, the jararacussu is a more retiring nocturnal hunter that lurks in riverside vegetation. Its venom is roughly three times more abundant per bite and contains potent hemorrhagic and myotoxic components, making bites severe and demanding immediate antivenom treatment.
Range
Distributed across the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, plus adjacent parts of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The species favours undisturbed lowland forest and is increasingly restricted as that habitat is cleared.
Find more snakes by letter
Jararacussu starts with J and ends with U. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
Snakes that contain a letter from "Jararacussu":