Lachesis acrochorda | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Viperidae |
Genus: | Lachesis |
Species: | L. acrochorda
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Binomial name | |
Lachesis acrochorda (García, 1896)
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Synonyms[2] | |
Lachesis acrochorda, also known commonly as the Chocoan bushmaster,[3] is a species of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is native to Central America and South America.
L. acrochorda was formerly considered a synonym of Lachesis stenophrys.[2]
L. acrochorda has a light brown head and black postocular stripes that can range from 1-2 scales wide. The longest recorded length of a male individual in Ecuador was 2.327 m (7.63 ft); for females it was 2.342 m (7.68 ft).[2]
L. acrochorda is found in Panama, northern and western Colombia (in the Departments of Chocó, Cauca and Antioquia), and northwestern Ecuador.[1]
The preferred natural habitat of L. acrochorda is lowland forest, premontane wet forest, and montane wet forest, mostly in mature forests, at altitudes from sea level to 1,600 m (5,200 ft).[1]
L. acrochorda is terrestrial and nocturnal.[1]
The venom of L. acrochorda is extremely dangerous in that a snakebite incident will result in a 90% chance of death. Its venom can cause serious side effects, such as vasodilation and blood anti-coagulation.[4]