Central American bushmaster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Central American bushmaster |
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| Genus: |
Lachesis
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| Species: |
stenophrys
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The Lachesis stenophrys, also known as the Central American bushmaster, is a large and powerful venomous snake. It belongs to the pit viper family, Viperidae. This impressive snake lives in the forests of Central America.
Contents
- What's in a Name? Understanding the Bushmaster's Title
- How Big Do They Get? The Bushmaster's Size
- Where Do Bushmasters Live? Their Central American Home
- What Kind of Home Do They Like? Bushmaster Habitat
- How Do They Behave? Bushmaster Habits
- What Do They Eat? Bushmaster Diet
- How Do They Reproduce? Bushmaster Babies
- See also
What's in a Name? Understanding the Bushmaster's Title
The scientific name stenophrys comes from ancient Greek words. Stenos means "narrow," and ophrys means "brow" or "eyebrow." This name likely refers to a feature on the snake's head.
Scientists sometimes discuss if certain snakes are different species or just types of the same species. For example, the Lachesis acrochorda was once thought to be the same as the Central American bushmaster. However, many experts now consider it a separate species.
How Big Do They Get? The Bushmaster's Size
Central American bushmasters are among the longest venomous snakes in the Americas. Adult snakes commonly grow to more than 200 centimeters (about 6 feet 6 inches) long. Some can even reach over 330 cm (about 10 feet 10 inches)! There are stories of even larger ones, but these are not well-documented.
This snake has a wide, rounded head. Its snout (nose area) is not raised. It also has a noticeable ridge along the middle of its back. This ridge is clearest on the last part of its body, near the tail. Its color pattern is usually darker than that of its close relative, the South American bushmaster.
Where Do Bushmasters Live? Their Central American Home
The Central American bushmaster is found in parts of Central America. It lives in the Atlantic lowlands of southern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. It can also be found in the Pacific lowlands of central and eastern Panama. The first specimen studied by scientists came from a place called Sipurio in Costa Rica.
What Kind of Home Do They Like? Bushmaster Habitat
These snakes prefer to live in tropical rainforests and lower mountain wet forests. These areas get a lot of rain, usually between 2,000 and 4,000 millimeters (79–157 inches) each year. In drier parts of Nicaragua, they can be found in forests along rivers (called gallery forests). They also live in forests that are dry part of the year, but always close to water.
Bushmasters are rarely seen outside of old growth forests. These are forests that have grown for a long time without being disturbed by humans. They can live from sea level up to about 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) high.
How Do They Behave? Bushmaster Habits
The Central American bushmaster is a ground-dwelling snake. This means it spends most of its time on the forest floor. It is also nocturnal, which means it is most active at night.
What Do They Eat? Bushmaster Diet
Central American bushmasters are predators. They mostly eat spiny rats and other small rodents.
How Do They Reproduce? Bushmaster Babies
Unlike many vipers that give birth to live young, the Central American bushmaster is oviparous. This means the female snake lays eggs.
See also
In Spanish: Lachesis stenophrys para niños
