Central American Bushmaster
Lachesis stenophrys
One of the largest venomous snakes in the Americas, a massive, reclusive pit viper of Central American rainforests.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 2.0-2.5 m (6.6-8.2 ft), occasionally longer
- Range
- Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama
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Overview
The Central American Bushmaster is among the largest pit vipers in the world, inhabiting the dense, undisturbed rainforests of southern Central America. Despite its imposing size, it is a shy and rarely encountered species due to its preference for remote forest habitat.
As an egg-laying pit viper, it is unusual among vipers, which are typically live-bearing, making it biologically distinctive within the family.
How to identify it
- Large, heavy-bodied snake with a triangular head
- Reddish-brown to tan background with dark, diamond-shaped or hexagonal blotches
- Rough, strongly keeled scales giving a textured appearance
- Prominent heat-sensing pits
- Vertical pupils
- Tail often darker, giving rise to the name 'black-tailed'
- Distinguished from other bushmasters by geographic range and subtle pattern differences
Habitat & range
Inhabits primary and old secondary lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama, typically in areas with minimal human disturbance and dense leaf litter.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, relying on ambush to catch small mammals. One of the few vipers that lays eggs rather than bearing live young, with females guarding the clutch. Generally reclusive and avoids confrontation.
Frequently asked questions
How big can a Central American Bushmaster get?
It can reach up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) or more, making it one of the largest venomous snakes in the Americas.
Does it lay eggs?
Yes, unusually for a viper, it is oviparous, laying eggs rather than giving live birth.
Where is it found?
In lowland rainforests of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Is it aggressive?
No, it is generally shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid humans.
Central American Bushmaster guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Central American Bushmaster.
