Description:
Scientific name: Bothriechis schlegelii
Life span: 16 years
The eyelash viper, often referred to as Bothriechis schlegelii, is a species of poisonous pit viper in the Viperidae family. This species, which is little and arboreal, is distinguished by a wide range of color variations and the superciliary scales that cover the eyes. Eyelash vipers have eyes with vertical pupils and a broad, triangular-shaped skull.. Modified scales above the eyes that resemble eyelashes are the Eyelash viper’s most distinctive feature and the source of their common name.
Native Region/Habitat
Eyelash vipers’ geographic distribution stretches from southern Mexico (northern Chiapas), southeast through Central America along the lowlands of the Atlantic, and up into northern South America in Colombia and Venezuela. These snakes favour lower-altitude, humid, tropical regions with lush vegetation, usually close to a reliable source of water. They can also be found in plantations and deep, shaded ravines.
Behavior:
Eyelash vipers are nocturnal, solitary animals. They prefer to reside in areas of dense foliage and are arboreal. During hunting, these typical ambush predators calmly wait for unsuspecting prey to stray close by. Eyelash vipers may choose a certain ambush location and return to it each year in time for the bird migration in the spring. These snakes occasionally engage in “caudal luring,” which involves moving the tail in worm-like motions to entice possible prey to approach within striking distance. In some remote parts of South America, there is a folklore that states that after biting a victim with venom, an eyelash viper will wink and flash its “eyelashes” at the victim. Since snakes lack eyelids and cannot close their eyes, they are biologically unable to engage in such activity. Although they are not naturally violent, eyelash vipers will attack if they feel threatened.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Enclosure: Eyelash vipers require a lot of room to move about. Despite being small and thin, these snakes need a vivarium that is at least 24 inches tall and 16 inches broad to be housed in. Keepers of snakes should give their animals plenty of designated hiding places as well as room to climb in the enclosure. 75-gallon lizard couches are ideal for eyelash vipers. Large enclosures, however, are expensive and challenging to adorn.
Temperature and Humidity: Make that the enclosure is kept at a temperature of 79 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit should be maintained continuously in the allotted basking area. Ceramic heat emitters are excellent instruments for preserving the temperature inside the enclosure. Ceramic heat emitters need to be kept away from designated hiding places and shady areas.
Eyelash vipers can withstand a range of humidity levels and adapt effectively to their environment. 60 to 70 percent humidity is ideal for these snakes.
Food and Water: In captivity, eyelash vipers consume mice. Eyelash vipers need to be fed twice per week. Avoid overfeeding these snakes since they can gain weight. Young eyelash vipers ought to consume less food than adult snakes. Give young animals food once a week to help them keep a healthy weight.
Give a raised water bowl for your eyelash viper. In the tank, tuck the dish under branches and amid plants. Make sure the water bowl is always filled and spray the enclosure every day.
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