What do you know about the fierce Mapepire Balsain?

Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox is one of the two species of vipers occurring in Trinidad. The second species of vipers that occur in Trinidad is the Bushmaster Lachesis muta.

The Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox is a VENOMOUS snake!

The above photo was taken from a T&T Presents production done by Drew Howell at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago (RCCTT).

Common names: Lancehead, Cascabel, Mapapero, Mapepire Barcin.

For safety purposes, one must be able to identify the Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox

Quick and Easy Identification:

- Mapepire Balsain has a triangular shaped head distinct from its neck.

The above photo shows the Bothrops cf. atrox as it glides through the forests' floor. Photo taken by Taariq Ali.

- Lateral/Side Aspect: Post ocular (behind the eye) there is a dark

streak extending along the jaw stopping just before where the neck starts.

The above photo shows Mr. Saiyaad Ali as he admires the beauty of a Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox.

- Dorsal Aspect: There are dark rhomboidal/triangular blotches/markings which are outlined in yellow or white. They have keeled scales and elliptical pupils (hence they can see in a wide range of light levels)

The above photo shows Mr. Saiyaad Ali carefully handling a Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox using a snake hook. This photo was taken from a T&T Presents production done by Drew Howell at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago (RCCTT).

- Ventral Aspect: Mostly a yellow colour.

The above photo shows Mr. Saiyaad Ali carefully handling a Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox using a snake hook. This photo was taken from a T&T Presents production done by Drew Howell at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago (RCCTT).

- In juveniles, the tail tip is yellow above.

The above footage was taken at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad & Tobago (RCCTT). This video shows an astonishing view of a juvenile Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox during feeding. Listen carefully to hear the rattling of its tail as a warning to back off!

NOTE: Bothrops cf. atrox rattles its tail as a warning if something gets too close.

What about their long fangs?

The fangs are enclosed in a membranous sheath, positioned on a short maxillary bone that swivels! The fangs are capable of rotating together or individually. As the snake strikes with open jaws, the fangs are erected! When the jaw closes, the muscles that surround the venom glands contract thereby releasing venom. This snakes' jaw is capable of opening almost 180 degrees.

The above photo shows Mr. Saiyaad Ali carefully revealing the fangs of the Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox. This photo was taken from a T&T Presents production done by Drew Howell at the Reptile Conservation Center of Trinidad and Tobago (RCCTT).

Size:

Hatchlings are 140 mm

Adults are 2.5 m; where the females are larger than males.

Habitat:

These snake species can be found in the following areas: Savannas, forests, swamps, "bushes", stream banks in forested areas, small trees and rural areas where may have human habitation.

Diet:

Consists of mammals, lizards, birds, other snakes and frogs (especially the juveniles).

The above photo was taken by Taariq Ali in Lopinot. In this photo you can see it's cryptic coloration used to avoid predators.

IMPORTANT

Nonetheless, the Mapepire Balsain Bothrops cf. atrox is a VENOMOUS snake species and plays a vital role in our ecosystem. They are very important! It is natural for us human beings to express fear during an encounter of this species however it is crucial TO NOT eradicate it. If you do come across the Mapepire Balsain simply walk away from it. Do not interfere with this species and do not try to move it as it will become very defensive and there will be critical consequences.

If you think you have been bitten by the Mapepire Balsain you must visit the hospital immediately!

If you encounter the Mapepire Balsain in your home, you can contact the RCCTT via our facebook page or contact number (868) 766-8951 to safely remove and relocate the specimen.