Bushmaster
Introduction
The bushmaster can be found in tropical forest in South and Central America - from Southern parts of Nicaragua through Brasilia and Bolivia. In Brazil it is called jararacucu. It is venomous and can cause death - but in most cases victims only experiences severe pain, vomiting, nausea, chills etc. It is not aggressive1 but it will defend both itself and its eggs.
Appearance
An adult bushmaster typical reach a length of 6 feet (2 meter). Larger specimens can reach a length of 10-12 feet, but that is very uncommon. It is however the longest pit-viper.
It is a very sturdy tough snake with a broad head and thick body. Its coloration is made up of yellow, red and brown colors with a lot of irregularities and scales all over its body.
Habitat
It prefers tropical forests with its high rainfall and warm temperatures.
Diet
Its perhaps most efficient during night as a nocturnal predator. It feeds on variety of other animals such as rodents, frogs, insects and birds.
Life Cycle
It lays egg and takes it stand against intruders seeking to
harm her eggs. Newly hatched snakes are approximately 8 inches long
References
1 Jorge et al. "SNAKEBITE BY THE BUSHMASTER (LACHESlS MUTA) IN BRAZIL: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE", Toxicon Volume 35, Issue 4 (1997)