Cerrado lancehead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cerrado lancehead |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bothrops
|
| Species: |
lutzi
|
 |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
|
The Bothrops lutzi, also known as the Cerrado lancehead, is a type of venomous snake. It belongs to the Viperidae family, which includes many well-known vipers. This snake is special because it is only found in a specific area of Central eastern Brazil.
You can find the Cerrado lancehead in several Brazilian states. These include Minas Gerais, Bahia, Goiás, Tocantins, Piauí, and Ceará. Scientists are very interested in this snake, especially its venom. They believe the venom might have important uses in medicine.
Scientists have discovered that the venom from Bothrops lutzi has special powers. It can fight against bacteria and parasites. This could help create new medicines. These medicines might fight against germs that are hard to treat. They could also help with diseases caused by parasites, like leishmaniosis and Chagas' disease.
What's in a Name? The Story of Lutzi
The second part of the snake's scientific name, lutzi, honors a famous person. It was named after Adolfo Lutz. He was a very important scientist from the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz in Brazil.
Who Was Adolfo Lutz?
Adolfo Lutz was the scientist who first collected the snake that was used to describe this new species. This first snake is called the "type specimen." It's like the original example that scientists use to define a new species.
Adolfo Lutz was also the father of Bertha Lutz. She was a famous Brazilian herpetologist, which is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians.
