Bushmaster, Lachesis muta muta, found in Central and South America where it is the largest venomous snake reaching a length of 4 m (the second largest

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Bushmaster, Lachesis muta muta, found in Central and South America where it is the largest venomous snake reaching a length of 4 m (the second largest in the world). Its fangs are 30 mm long and can inject a large ammount of haemolytic venom. Bushmasters are not very abundant; they live in remote, mountainous jungles where they conceal themselves and do not appear in bright light. They require high humidity but relatively low temperatures (around 20 degees Centigrade). Rodents are their chief food source. The female lays eggs which she guards for the 78 day developmental period. Contrary to popular belief this snake is quite docile.

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Photo credit: © GEORGE BERNARD/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, bushmaster, lachesis, muta, nature, reptile, reptilia, snake, wildlife, zoology