Eyelash viper

A snake with 'eyelashes'

The eyelash viper is a small venomous snake, belonging to the group of the pit vipers. Its most distinctive feature is a set of pointed, projecting scales that rise above each eye, like a series of small 'eyelashes' or horns, from which the name derives. Another surprising aspect is the extraordinary variety of colours in which it occurs: some individuals are a bright, almost golden yellow, others green, still others brown, grey or pinkish, often with spots and patterns. It has a rather slender body and a prehensile tail.

Habitat and distribution

It lives in the tropical forests of Central and South America, where it is a typical inhabitant of trees and shrubs. It is in fact mainly arboreal: it spends much of its time coiled among the branches, the dense vegetation or the fronds of palms, camouflaging itself thanks to its colours.

Behaviour and venom

It is an ambush predator: it stays motionless and hidden among the branches, often near flowers or fruit that attract prey, and strikes with a rapid bite when they come within reach. It feeds on frogs, lizards, small mammals and birds. Like all pit vipers, it has heat-sensitive pits that allow it to detect warm-blooded prey. Its bite is venomous: it is not considered among the most dangerous to humans, but can still cause serious effects, and it is essential not to approach or attempt to handle these animals in the wild.

Conservation and curiosities

The eyelash viper is classified as a species of least concern. Its beauty and vivid colours make it very well known, but it should always be observed from a distance and with respect. Its scientific name honours the German zoologist Hermann Schlegel.