Biodiversity
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Crossed Pit Viper
Bothrops alternatus | Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854
PHOTO: Property of Native / Embrapa
Characteristics: Medium to large species of serpent, with a robust body measuring some 1.50 m in length. Dark brown color with "telephone"-shaped patterns, with clear edges along the body. It is known to cause serious injury to man. It has solenoglyphous teeth (fangs that inoculate venom). This is a venomous species.
Distribution: Northern Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. In Brazil it is widely distributed and occurs in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul.
Habitat: Open formations, in savannas, fields, and pastures.
Habits: Crepuscular, nocturnal, and terrestrial. Found in piles of sticks and stones, in moist or flooded areas (floodplains and swamps), and common in crops.
Diet: Mammals.
Breeding: Viviparous, giving birth to 15 to 18 offspring that are able to hunt.
UFRA: Species seen in Wetlands with Herbaceous plants and Organic Sugarcane Fields.