Why is it called a fer-de-lance?
The title “Fer-de-Lance” originally referred to the Martinique lancehead (Bothrops lanceolatus) found on the island of the same name in the West Indies. The common name has since been applied to the collective species of the Central and South American genus Bothrops.
How many babies can a fer-de-lance have?
The fer-de-lance is extremely prolific. Litters of 50 to 70 young are not uncommon. Newborns are 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 centimeters) long and dangerous, as they are born with the ability to swing their fangs into biting position and inject venom. Juveniles are lighter in color than adults and have yellow tail tips.
How poisonous is fer-de-lance?
It is the most dangerous snake of Central and South America, and causes more human deaths than any other American reptile. On average, a fer-de-lance injects 105mg of venom in one bite, although a venom yield of up to 310mg has been recorded while milking them. The fatal dose for a human is 50mg.
What do Fer-de-lances eat?
Fer-de-lances cause the majority of snake bites within its range. Diet: Adults feed predominantly on birds, small mammals, particularly rats and mice; juveniles consume small frogs, lizards and centipedes. They are ambush predators.
Can a fer-de-lance swim?
These ‘pits’, coupled with its tongue to ‘taste’ the air, allow the fer-de-lance to strike with great accuracy even in total darkness. Bothrops species are able to climb and swim.
What is fer-de-lance in English?
Definition of fer-de-lance : a large extremely venomous pit viper (Bothrops atrox) of Central and South America.
Does a fer-de-lance lay eggs?
These snakes are considered the most prolific in all of the Americas. The species reaches sexual maturity at 110 to 120 cm for females while males average at 100 cm. The terciopleo is viviparous, meaning females don’t lay eggs they give birth to live young.
What does fer-de-lance mean in English?
What language is fer-de-lance?
French, literally, lance iron, spearhead.
What is the meaning of fer?
-fer. a combining form meaning “that which carries” the thing specified by the initial element, used in the formation of compound words: aquifer; conifer; foraminifer.