Martinican pit viper, Fer-de-lance
The Martinique lancehead (Bothrops lanceolatus) is a venomous species of pit viper generally considered endemic to the Caribbean island of Martinique. Some reserve the common name fer-de-lance for this species, while others apply that name to other Bothrops species as well. The species is depicted on the unofficial flag of Martinique, one of the few examples (the Gadsden flag and the First Navy Jack of the United States, and the Flag of Mexico being others) of snakes being depicted on flags.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
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VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Martinique lancehead is brown, black, and gray in color. It measures 1.5 to 2 m long (5 feet) long.
These snakes can be found only on the island of Martinique in the Lesser Antilles where they inhabit humid forests and cultivated areas close to forests.
Martinique lanceheads are arboreal and terrestrial snakes which means they are at home both in trees and on the ground. These snakes lead a solitary life and are active during the night. As ambush predators, Martinique lanceheads typically wait patiently somewhere for unsuspecting prey to wander by. They are known to select a specific ambush site and return to it every year in time for the spring migration of birds. Studies have indicated these snakes learn to improve their strike accuracy over time.
The venom of this species has toxins that can cause clotting, and bleeding in humans, as well as muscle damage and swelling.
This species is carnivorous. The diet of these snakes primarily changes based on their size and where they live. Larger individuals can feed on larger prey, while smaller species must eat smaller prey items. They hunt rats, mice, birds, rabbits, lizards, frogs, snakes, bats, and more.
Martinique lanceheads are ovoviviparous, meaning that the embryos develop within eggs that remain inside the female's body until the offspring are ready to hatch; at this time the hatchlings emerge as functionally free-living young. In such species, the eggshells are reduced to soft membranes that the young shed, either within the reproductive tract, or immediately after emerging.
Martinique lanceheads suffer from the loss of their forest habitat and from human persecution when they are encountered in cultivated areas.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Martinique lancehead total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
