Bothrops erythromelas Amaral, 1923

Adult Length

Adults of Bothrops erythromelas Amaral, 1923 may reach a total length of 54 cm (21 in), including a tail that measures 6.5 cm (2.6 in) long. The species can grow to a maximum total length of approximately 0.85 m.

Dorsal Coloration

Dorsally, B. erythromelas is reddish brown, marked with a double series of black or dark brown triangular markings that may be either alternating or opposite each other. The top and sides of the head are dark brown, with additional darker markings.

Ventral Coloration

Ventrally, the snake is yellowish, speckled with brown, and has dark spots that extend from the sides of the ventral scales onto the first two dorsal rows.

Eye Features

Its eyes are moderately large, with vertically elliptical pupils.

Dorsal Scale Arrangement

The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows at midbody.

Ventral And Subcaudal Scale Counts

This species has 144 to 155 ventrals, an entire anal plate, and 33 to 35 divided subcaudals.

Activity And Habitat Use

It is mainly a terrestrial and nocturnal snake, though it will climb into low vegetation.

Defensive Behavior

Individuals tend to hide their heads when approached. The species is highly irritable, and can strike violently in response to very little provocation.

Diet

It feeds mainly on rodents and lizards.

Geographic Distribution

This snake is found in the Brazilian states of Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Minas Gerais, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe.

Type Locality

Its type locality is "near Juazeiro, State of Bahia, Brazil".

Common Name And Habitat

This species' common name refers to its primary habitat: the Caatinga, a large ecoregion in northeastern Brazil made up of xeric shrubland and thorn forest.