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The Bushmaster is a poisonous snake, rather large in size, and one of many members of the viper family in the northern regions of South America, whose behavior is very interesting to observe. Due to its secrecy, this reptile has received an undeserved disrepute among the local population and a truly mythological status.
In length, this species of reptiles reaches 4 meters, however, such large individuals are quite rare. The main habitat - areas characterized by abundant vegetation and the presence of natural water sources. By its nature, the Bushmaster is not at all aggressive, but rather a cowardly appearance.
Description
The BushMaster is a large poisonous snake of the viper family, the average body length is 2.5-3.5 meters, its weight is up to 5 kg. I would like to draw attention to the fact that this type of reptile is the largest of all members of the family and all kinds of snakes living in South America.
The body of a snake is rather large and dense, of a rather rare characteristic shape - it resembles a triangle, and at the same time, it does not prevent this species of reptiles from remaining very flexible and mobile.
The body of the bushmeister is completely covered with dense and fairly rigid scales (large scales). The only place where the scales are softer is the wedge-shaped head of a snake.
The reptile has a very distinctive body color, which does not allow the bushmeister to be confused with any other species - the main color is yellow brown, covered with a pattern of large rhombuses of a darker color.
The snake's teeth are quite large and very sharp. In just one bite, the bushmeister injects about 400 mg of poison into the body of his victim, which is enough to instantly take the lives of small animals, birds, rodents. This dose of poison is fatal to humans in only 10-15% of cases.
Lifestyle
The appearance of the reptile is quite aggressive; besides, the bushmeister has a truly gigantic size, however, it is a rather calm and at the same time shy snake. That is, in the case of the approach of a person or a rather large animal, this creeping reptile prefers a quiet escape, quickly hiding from the views of its potential enemies.
In that case, if a person caught a representative of this type of reptile in a rash, the bushmaster begins to get nervous, which is manifested by unusual and not typical behavior of this species - quite frequent and loud strikes with the end of the tail section on the ground, imitating the sounds made by rattlesnakes.
Area
The main habitat of this species of snake is the northern region of South America. Small size colony of this specieslives and on the island of Trinidad. Typically found in humid tropics, away from residential settlements.
Breeding
Reptile sexual maturity sets in when the Bushmeister reaches the age of two. With the onset of spring, the male individuals go in search of their couple, this is assisted by the pheromones secreted by the female, designed specifically to attract members of the opposite sex.
The period of courtship is not too long, as a rule, the attention signs of the male are limited by the contact of the head with the head chosen by the female. If the last male fell in love - the mating season begins with unique reptilian mating dance, during which the bodies of snakes are closely intertwined.
Interesting Facts
One of the legends says that at night the Bushmasters make their way into the human houses and drink the milk of cattle and lactating women.
Another common myth about the Bushmeister says that this snake is in fact an evil forest spirit, capable of extinguishing even the most powerful flame with its own breath.
Video: Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
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