Bothrops jararacussu, the jararacussu, is a highly venomous pit viper found only in South America and counted among its most dreaded snakes. It can grow to 2.2 metres and has a robust body and head. Its background colour ranges from brown or yellow to almost black, with dark arches and a row of x shaped spots along the middle of the back, vertically elliptical pupils and strongly keeled dorsal scales. The fangs are about 2.5 centimetres long. It feeds mostly on amphibians and rodents, is ovoviviparous and gives birth to 16 to 20 young in the rainy season. The range runs through coastal Brazil from Bahia to Santa Catarina, Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia and the Misiones Province of northeastern Argentina, in Atlantic forest, semi-deciduous forest, perennial forest and low swampy ground along river banks. The venom carries cytotoxins, hemotoxins and myotoxins, and bites cause necrosis, shock, bleeding and kidney failure.
Facts
Conservation Status Activity Pattern Activity Pattern Classification
Relationship to PeopleVenomous or Dangerous to Humans 1 Connections
Child Taxon Of
In Ecosystem
Source Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)Geographic rangeQuote, Geographic range
It is found in South America in coastal Brazil (from Bahia to Santa Catarina), Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province).
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)Geographic rangeQuote, Geographic range
It is found in South America in coastal Brazil (from Bahia to Santa Catarina), Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province).
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)Geographic rangeQuote, Geographic range
It is found in South America in coastal Brazil (from Bahia to Santa Catarina), Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province).
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Source Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)Geographic rangeQuote, Geographic range
It is found in South America in coastal Brazil (from Bahia to Santa Catarina), Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province).
Sources
1. Bothrops jararacussu (Wikipedia)
Geographic range
It is found in South America in coastal Brazil (from Bahia to Santa Catarina), Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and northeastern Argentina (Misiones Province).
Description and behavior
They usually feed on amphibians and rodents.
Venom
Like all other species in the genus Bothrops, the jararacussu has rather potent venom, potent enough to kill sixteen people.
Description and behavior, activity
Mainly diurnal and nocturnal, they usually warm up in the morning sun and venture forth to hunt at night.
Description and behavior, hunting at night
Mainly diurnal and nocturnal, they usually warm up in the morning sun and venture forth to hunt at night.
In Group: Snakes (Serpentes), Lead
It is one of the most dreaded snakes in South America and can grow up to 2.2 metres (7.2 ft).
View the Source2. GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): IUCN Red List category of Bothrops jararacussu
GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)IUCN Red List category recordQuote, IUCN Red List category record
"category": "LEAST_CONCERN"
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.