About Bothrops jararacussu Lacerda, 1884
The jararacussu, scientific name Bothrops jararacussu Lacerda, 1884, is a fairly large pit viper that grows up to 2.2 meters long, with a robust body and head, and very aggressive behavior. The color of its body and head varies widely. Its background body color can range from brown or yellow to nearly black. Its pattern of dark and light scales forms a series of dark arches, and the spots along the dorsal midline are shaped like the letter X. It has medium-sized eyes with vertically elliptical pupils, and strongly keeled dorsal scales. It has large 2.5 cm fangs and can inject a large amount of venom. It usually feeds on amphibians and rodents. It is ovoviviparous, giving birth to between 16 and 20 young during the rainy season. It is active both during the day and at night, typically warming itself in morning sun before venturing out to hunt at night. This species is found in South America, specifically in coastal Brazil from Bahia to Santa Catarina, Paraguay, southeastern Bolivia, and Misiones Province in northeastern Argentina. It occurs in the Atlantic Forest and semi-deciduous forest, and also lives in perennial forests, and pine forests of Paraná, in low swampy regions and along river banks.
