Table of Contents
How big do eyelash vipers get?
55 to 82 cm
Adult body length ranges from 55 to 82 cm, with females (35 to 82 cm) typically longer and more variable in size than males (37 to 69 cm). The tail is short to moderate, comprising 13 to 19% of total body length. Eyelash pit vipers are named for the small, bristly, keeled scales just above each eye.
Do eyelash vipers have fangs?
Eyelash vipers have a wide, triangular-shaped head, and eyes with vertical pupils. Like all pit vipers, they have large, hypodermic needle-like fangs in the front of the upper jaw that fold back when not in use, and have heat-sensitive organs, or pits, located on either side of the head between the eye and nostril.
Do eyelash vipers bite?
While they are not considered aggressive snakes, eyelash pit vipers have bitten humans who venture too close. The bite can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, bleb formation and very often necrosis, if left untreated it can lead to loss of a limb, or even be fatal.
Can eyelash vipers be pets?
The venomous eyelash viper is popular as a pet reptile in many countries. Their eyes have vertical pupils and their scales are very rough. Although they are arboreal, young eyelash vipers spend a lot of time on the ground as compared to adults.
What eats an eyelash viper?
Natural enemies of eyelash vipers are falcons, hedgehogs, baggers, foxes, cats and large snakes.
What is the life cycle of an eyelash viper?
Eyelash palm pit vipers can live more than 16 years in captivity, according to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Bushmasters typically live between 12 to 18 years in captivity, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 24 years, according to Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo.
What colors do eyelash vipers come in?
The eyelash viper occurs in a wide range of colors, including red, yellow, brown, green, even pink, as well as various combinations thereof. It often has black or brown speckling on the base color.