Alex McCartney – Mexico 2024 #2

A juvenile Fer-De-Lance (Bothrops asper) from back in Mexico in the Hormiguero camp. Typically a nocturnal species, like all pit vipers, Fer-De-Lances rely on loreal pits on their snout to ‘see’ in infrared, hence their name (although we now know that several other species also possess these pits such as boas and pythons). So it was super lucky to come across this snake whilst leading a survey one morning.

Although unusual to come across Fer-De-Lances during the day, it had been raining all night and into the morning, which likely explained why it was still out, trying to bask a little longer before retreating into a hole or hollow log for the day.

Fer-De-Lances are characteristically nervous snakes; but being pokilotherms, which means that their body temperatures vary along with environmental temperatures, their behaviour can fluctuate as temperatures vary. Given that it had been such a cool night and morning, this juvenile was incredibly relaxed and calm allowing for us to snap a few photos before moving on.

It was definitely a cool way to see my first Bothrops asper, and the dramatic weather and good company made it all the better!

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