Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Plate 4.73
Jararacuçu (
Bothrops jararacussu
), Brazil.
Bothrops jararacussu
is a
medically important, large, heavy-bodied crotaline viperid that may attain a body length of
approximately 2.2 m. It is known by a multitude of common names (e.g., Cabeça de Sapo,
Jararacuçu, Jararaçucu Malha de Sapo). It is found in Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay.
Bothrops jararacussu
envenomation can feature coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis, local necrosis,
and hypovolemic shock.
Photo copyright to David A. Warrell.
(A)
Plate 4.74
(A and B) Terciopelo; barba amarilla; boquidorada; cachete de puinca;
tepoxo; many others (
Bothrops asper
).
One of the most important venomous snakes of Latin
America, this crotaline viperid has large volumes of toxic venom and sizeable, distensible
fangs (“solenoglyphous” dentition). Many indigenous people suffer long-term morbidity due
to bites from this species. Fatalities are common, and antivenom is often inaccessible in rural
communities where this snake is medically important.
(A) Terciopelo (
Bothrops asper
), Caucasia, Colombia.
