What is Common Lancehead?

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Suborder: Serpentes
• Family: Viperidae
• Subfamily: Crotalinae
• Genus: Bothrops
• Scientific Name: Bothrops atrox

The common lancehead, also known as fer-de-lance, is a highly venomous pit viper species endemic to South America. It inhabits open areas, tropical rain forests and deciduous forests at an altitude of 4000 feet and may also visit plantations in search of prey. The loss of habitat due to the destruction of tropical rain forests is the main threat to the survival of common lancehead. 

• Common lanceheads can reach 5 to 6 feet (rarely 8 feet) in length. The female is bigger than the male.
• Its color pattern is highly variable, including a base color that may be olive, brown, tan, gray, yellow, or (rarely) rust.
• The head of a common lancehead is wide and flat at the top, shaped like a spear.
• The name "llancehead" refers to the snake's pointed, lance-shaped head (" fer-de-lance "in French means" lance head ").
• The common lancehead has a  strong body, with a black tongue and gold or bronzed eyes adapted for night vision.
• Common lancehead is nocturnal creature (active during the night).
• Common lancehead is terrestrial animal (adapted to the life on the ground).
• Because of the thermal pit between the nose and the eyes (used to detect warm-blooded animals' organs), the common lancehead can detect the precise location of mammals and birds at night.
• The common lanceheads are carnivores, eating mostly small mammals and birds, but also frogs, lizards, and tarantulas.
• Common lancehead is one of the most numerous pit vipers in the wild.
• It is responsible for more than half of all snake bites in South America. Common lanceheads produce a strong blood-toxic venom (venom that damages blood cells and blood vessels and causes massive internal bleeding).
• Bites can be fatal. All the victims are in need of urgent medical attention.
• Common lanceheads can breed all year round.