Eyelash Viper, Bothriechis schlegelii
Herpetologists into snakes working in this area have a different idea for the definition of ‘Costa Rica’ (which mean’s the ‘Gold’ Coast’) for this is the area where the Golden Eyelash Viper is most abundant. These beautiful snakes can be seen almost every day if you go looking for them (and sometimes even if you don’t!), they are that common here if you know where to look.
I have seen 2 in the last 2 days. It is always a very special moment when you see one, and that is something that never wears off, however many you have seen before. These amazing looking snakes are totally arboreal and normally sit motionless on vegetation and on branches, waiting for unsuspecting prey. Adults can strike so fast they can literally snatch a hummingbird mid flight. They have a pair of sensitive heat-sensing pits which helps them to detect prey that is warm-blooded, and excellent vision for them to catch prey that isn’t. Here is a clip of the one found yesterday:
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Hello Andrew, fantastic snakes, I hope to start a breeding project with them soon.
keep up the hard work.
BEST WISHES