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Lachesis (genus)
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Everything about Lachesis Genus totally explained

» Common names: bushmasters.

Lachesis is a genus of venomous pitvipers found in the remote, forested areas in Central and South America. The generic name refers to one of the Three Fates in Greek mythology; Lachesis determined the length of the thread of life. Three species are currently recognized.

Description

Adults vary in length from 2 to 2.5 m, although and some may grow to as much as 3 m. The largest known specimen was just under 3.65 m, making it the longest venomous snake in the Western Hemisphere. This is also the longest viper, though not the heaviest (it is surpassed by the gaboon viper and the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake).

Geographic range

Found in Central and South America.

Reproduction

Lachesis is the only neo-tropical pit viper that lays eggs: about a dozen in the average clutch. The female is reported to remain with the eggs during incubation and may aggressively defend the nest if approached. The hatchlings average 30 cm in length and are more colorful than the adults.

Venom

One of the largest and most dangerous snakes in South America, these snake are capable of multiple bite strikes and injecting large amounts of venom. Even the bite of a juvenile specimen can be fatal.

Species

Species
L. stenophrys Cope, 1875 0 Central American bushmaster In Central America it's found in the Atlantic lowlands of southern Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, as well as the Pacific lowlands of central and eastern Panama. In South America it occurs in the Pacific lowlands of Colombia and northwestern Ecuador, the Caribbean coast of northwestern Colombia and inland along the Magdalena and Cauca river valleys.
*) Not including the nominate subspecies (typical form).
T) Type species.

Further Information

Get more info on 'Lachesis Genus'.


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