Bothrops atrox in Costa Rica (1 Viewer)

[MIKADO]

During my stay in Costa Rica I had the chance to observe a spearhead snake swallowing a white gecko. It is extremely rare to cross paths with this snake in the middle of the day. This adorable animal is in the list of deadliest poisonous snakes. In Costa Rica 70% of bites are lethal.

 

[Andy Adcock]

Oddly, better known as Fer-de-Lance to the English speakers.

 

[Xenospiza]

It's a fiesty snake. I encountered one which approached me in the most unfriendly way in Guyana!

 

[MIKADO]

better known as Fer-de-Lance to the English speakers

...and also to French speakers...
It is called "Fer-de-Lance" for the shape of its head.

 

[Farnboro John]

...and also to French speakers...
It is called "Fer-de-Lance" for the shape of its head.

An exact transliteration would be iron of lance - which I suppose implies the lance head since the shaft would be wood - so a certain amount of inference is required. I still like Fer-de-Lance better than Spearhead Snake.

John

 

[THE_FERN]

An exact transliteration would be iron of lance - which I suppose implies the lance head since the shaft would be wood - so a certain amount of inference is required. I still like Fer-de-Lance better than Spearhead Snake.

John

Lancehead...

Cool snakes. I was ~6 feet away from one ~6ft long in Panama. Luckily I saw it before I peed on it.

 

[Farnboro John]

Lancehead...

Cool snakes. I was ~6 feet away from one ~6ft long in Panama. Luckily I saw it before I peed on it.

Yes, that could have had a most unfortunate ending in every possible sense!

John

 

[MIKADO]

Spear against spear...it would have been a nice duel

 

[Andy Adcock]

Spear against spear...it would have been a nice duel

Yours must be a funny shape

 

[MIKADO]

🤣🤣

 

[holzphoto]

Locally known as the Terciopelo. Don't think the death rate is 70% though.

 

[MIKADO]

70% is what the guide told us...

 

[Xenospiza]

Locally known as the Terciopelo. Don't think the death rate is 70% though.

In Costa Rica: "before 1947, the fatality rate was 9%, but this has since declined to almost 0%." But there is a very nasty picture on wikipedia on what can happen if it bites you...

 

[MIKADO]

Thanks for correcting, I think the guide wanted to impress us.
When I meet again I'll pat her head without hesitation

 

[holzphoto]

Probably 70% chance without treatment - That sounds about right.