Bothrocophias microphthalmus
Scientific Names: Bothrops microphthalma, B. m. microphthalma, B. microphthalmus, B. m. microphthalmus, Lachesis microphthalmus, L. pleuroxanthus, Porthidium microphthalmum, Trimeresurus microphthalmus
Common Names: Engl.: Small-eyed toadheaded pitviper, Bolivia: yoperojobobo, Brazil: jararaca, Columbia: mapana, taya, talla, Ecuador: hoja podrida, Peru: dukamp, equis, equis jergon, jergon, jergon podridora, jergon shushupe, makanch
Habitat: Found mainly on the Amazonian slopes of the Andes in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, & Brazil; from 1,000 to 2,350 m elevation. Mainly lives in lower montane wet forests & cloud forests.
Activity and Behavior: Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Probably ovoviviparous (litter size not reported) & mainly preys on small mammals, birds & possibly lizards (as available). Also See Bothrocophias campbelli.
Venom Characteristics: Potent hemotoxin, but not well characterized. Venom of this species may be the most toxic of any in this genus. Preliminary studies have indicated that this snake’s venom is poorly neutralized by some commercially available antivenoms.
