Fer-de-Lance

A common pit viper, the fer-de-lance varies in color and pattern over its wide range. A sheath of membranous flesh covers its fangs, but when the snake bites the sheath is pushed back. The fer-de-lance feeds mainly on small mammals and its venom causes rapid and severe internal bleeding. The female is an unusually prolific breeder for a pit viper, giving birth to up to 50 live young in a yearly litter.

Range: S. Mexico to South America; West Indies.

Habitat: Low coastal areas.

Size: 8 ft (2.45 m).