Lachesis muta
Lachesis muta, the southern American bushmaster or Atlantic bushmaster, is a very large venomous pit viper found in South America and on the island of Trinidad. It is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Size and appearance: Adults average about 2 to 2.5 meters long, but they can reach around 3 meters. This makes it the longest venomous snake in the Western Hemisphere. It has a broad head, a stout body, and heavily keeled scales. Its color ranges from yellowish to grey-brown with dark brown to black blotches that often form triangular shapes along the sides. The tail does not have a rattle, but the snake may vigorously shake it when alarmed.
Habitat: It lives in forests east of the Andes and in Trinidad, from primary to secondary forests and nearby clearings. In Trinidad it often prefers hilly or mountainous areas.
Behavior and diet: Bushmasters are usually shy but will defend themselves if provoked. They mainly eat rats and mice, but also take birds, reptiles, and other mammals such as porcupines, squirrels, opossums, and monkeys.
Venom: The venom is potent, with enzymes that destroy tissue, prevent blood from clotting, and can affect the nervous system. Bites are dangerous and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Venom yield can vary and may be influenced by stress.
Fun fact: Lachesis muta is one of the longest venomous snakes in the world, ranking behind only the king cobra and the black mamba.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 19:33 (CET).