Golden Lancehead
Bothrops insularis
A critically endangered island-endemic pit viper found only on a single Brazilian island, known for unusually potent venom adapted to hunting birds.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-0.9 m (2.3-3 ft)
- Range
- Ilha da Queimada Grande (Snake Island), off the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Overview
The Golden Lancehead is restricted entirely to Ilha da Queimada Grande, a small island off the coast of Sao Paulo, Brazil, commonly known as Snake Island. Isolated from the mainland for thousands of years, it evolved in the absence of terrestrial mammal prey, relying instead heavily on migratory birds.
The species is critically endangered due to its extremely limited range, habitat degradation, and past illegal collection, and it is legally protected with access to the island tightly restricted.
How to identify it
- Golden-tan to yellowish-brown body with darker, faded triangular blotches
- Slender build compared to mainland lancehead relatives
- Lance-shaped head distinct from the neck
- Vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits
- Found nowhere else in the world outside its single island range
Habitat & range
Endemic to the forested rocky terrain of Ilha da Queimada Grande, a small island off the Sao Paulo coast. Occupies a mix of tropical forest and rocky outcrops within this restricted island habitat.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Adapted to prey heavily on birds, particularly migratory species that stop on the island, an unusual diet shift linked to the absence of mammalian prey. Venom is considered unusually fast-acting, believed to be an adaptation for quickly immobilizing birds before they can fly off. Live-bearing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Golden Lancehead endangered?
It survives only on one tiny island, making it extremely vulnerable to habitat loss and past illegal collection.
Why does it mainly eat birds?
Its island habitat lacks native terrestrial mammals, so it evolved to rely heavily on migratory birds as prey.
Is public access to its habitat restricted?
Yes, access to Ilha da Queimada Grande is heavily restricted by Brazilian authorities to protect the species and for public safety.
Is this species venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous pit viper with venom noted for its fast action, believed to help immobilize flying prey quickly.
Golden Lancehead guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Golden Lancehead.
