The eyelash viper is specialized to live in the trees. Binocular vision aids in spotting prey and navigating through the trees. It lies in wait on a branch for prey, perhaps a tree frog or hummingbird, to come near. Anchoring itself to the branch with its prehensile tail, the viper lunges out to snatch its victim.
Eyelash Viper
Bothrops schlegelii
Fact File
Where to see them: Reptile House
Length: 1.5 to 2.5 ft
Venomous: Venomous
Habitat: Tropical rainforest
Diet: Lizards, frogs, small mammals, and birds
Wall Flower: The viper's bright colors and signature "eyelashes", which really are just raised scales above its eyes, help the viper blend in with flowers where it often ambushes nectar-seeking birds.
90-Second Naturalist 
