FER de LANCE

Description:  Variable coloration, from  gray to olive, brown, or reddish, with dark triangles edged with light scales.   Triangles are narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.

Characteristics:  This highly dangerous  snake is responsible for a high mortality rate.  It has an irritable disposition, ready to strike with little provocation.  The female fer-de-lance  is highly prolific, producing up to 60 young with with a dangerous bite.  The  venom of this species is hemotoxic, painful, and hemorrhagic (causing profuse internal bleeding).  The venom causes massive tissue destruction.

Habitat:  Found on cultivated land and farms, often entering houses in search of rodents.

Length:  Average 1.4 meters, maximum 2.4 meters.

Distribution: Southern Mexico, throughout Central and South America. 

Fer-da-lance