Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966

General Species Traits

Bothrops moojeni is a medium to heavy-bodied terrestrial and nocturnal viper species.

Size

Its average total length including the tail is 1.6 m (5.2 ft), and a maximum length of 2.3 m (7.5 ft) has been recorded.

Body Coloration

Its base body color ranges from tan, gray-brown to olive-gray, with 14–21 dark gray to solid black trapezoidal markings along its sides.

Dorsal Scales

It has 23–29 rows of keeled dorsal scales across its body.

Ventral Coloration

Its belly is typically white or cream, scattered with dark gray spots.

Juvenile Traits

Juveniles of this species have white tails.

Head Shape

When viewed from above, the broad, flattened head has a distinct lance shape, and is clearly separated from the narrow neck.

Head Features

The snout is not elevated, and the medium-sized eyes have vertically elliptical pupils.

Defensive Behavior

This species is considered very defensive.

Reproductive Mode

Bothrops moojeni is viviparous.

Gestation and Litter Size

Gestation occurs once per year and lasts around four months, with litters usually producing 12 to 14 neonates.

Lifespan

On average, this species lives 15 years.

Diet

It preys on small mammals, birds, lizards, other snakes, and amphibians.

Geographic Distribution

This species is distributed across northern Argentina, eastern Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Type Locality

Its type locality is Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.

Habitat

It inhabits Araucaria moist forests and the Cerrado.