| Saint Lucia lancehead | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Bothrops |
| Species: | B. caribbaeus |
| Binomial name | |
| Bothrops caribbaeus (Garman, 1887) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Saint Lucia lancehead or Saint Lucia pit viper (Bothrops caribbaeus) is an endangered species of pit viper endemic to the island of Saint Lucia in the Lesser Antilles. [2]
The Saint Lucia lancehead can reach a total length in excess of 1.3 m (4.3 ft). [2] It is gray to gray-brown, with an irregular temporal stripe, and gray or brown markings that are distinct mid-dorsally and fade towards its sides. [2]
It is found only on Saint Lucia. [2] Along with Bothrops lanceolatus and B. atrox , it is one of three Bothrops species found in the Caribbean. The snake is threatened and today limited to two areas of the island. [3] The only location outside of St. Lucia where these snakes are kept is the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. [4]
Accidents with this pit viper are extremely rare, with only one report. The victim had local pain and edema, and after a week had developed left facial hemiplegia with facial paralysis and local bleeding, extensive swelling, edema in the abdomen and chest, necrosis and cerebral ischemia. [5]
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