the Longest & Deadliest Pit Viper in the World! Bushmaster (Lachesis Stenophrys)

The neotropical realm is home to an amazing diversity of one family of venomous snakes---vipers. One genus of Neotropical vipers clearly stands out.

Dubbed "the ghost of the forest" or "the queen of the forest", bushmasters (Lachesis stenophrys) is a genus of venomous pit vipers and among the largest pit vipers of the world. The species name, "stenophrys", is derived from the Greek words "stenos", meaning "narrow", and "ophrys", meaning "brow" or "eyebrow". The genus name "Lachesis" refers to one of the Three Fates in Greek mythology who determined the length go the thread of life of a person. 

-Where dose the bushmaster live?

The bushmaster occurs from the south Nicaragua down to the east of Panama. These snakes are rare and secretive. This species is known to live in primary tropical rainforest habitats and tries to avoid human contact. They often occupy abandoned mamas burrows under large buttress roots. Their habitat preference and shy nature cause sighting to be considered "rare events".

-What does the bushmaster look like?

The back color has a tan, light yellow, brown, gray, red or even light pink background, with distinct dark brown or black diamond-shaped markings on the back, usually with light yellow edges.

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Normally, this pit viper has dark stripes extending from the back corner of the mouth to the eyes. It has a heavy keel, rough scales and a light belly, with a protruding spine along the back.

-Description about the bushmaster

• Length: +/- 200cm ♀ up to 300cm ♂
• Weight: +/- 3 to 5kg
• Age: largely unknown , up to 30 years
• Reproduction: Oviparous (+/- 12 eggs laying)

- How deadly is the bushmaster?

Bushmasters are known for their fierce attacks, but in reality, due to their nocturnal nature, only a few human attacks have been recorded.

Even so, the venom of a  bushmaster ike the venom of other snakes, is a complex mixture of toxic compounds whose primary function is to immobilize prey. The bushmaster is able to produce up to eight times more venom than the average American copperhead.

The venom of the bushmaster is highly hematotoxic. It affects the circulatory system, destroys red blood cells, causes organ degeneration and extensive tissue damage, and is often fatal if not treated promptly. Other effects include vomiting, severe pain, nausea and chills.