The fer-de-lance, known in Spanish as barba amarilla (“yellow chin”), is a pit viper (subfamily Crotalinae)—i.e., distinguished by a small sensory pit between each eye and nostril. It has a broad triangular head and is usually about 1.2 to 2 metres (4 to 7 feet) long.

How do I identify a fer-de-lance?

They can be visually identified by their distinct coloration pattern of triangles connecting on the back resembling the letter “A.” Its jaw is white or yellow. Another distinctive feature –of a poisonous snake – is its triangular shaped head.

How deadly is the 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.