Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Viperidae

Lojan Lancehead

Venomous

Bothrocophias lojanus

Lojan Lancehead
Bothrocophias lojanus, © John G. Phillips
Lojan LanceheadLojan LanceheadLojan LanceheadLojan Lancehead

5 photographs of the Lojan Lancehead. © John G. Phillips.

The Lojan Lancehead (Bothrocophias lojanus) is a venomous snake in the Viperidae family, recorded in 1 country.

If you are bitten

This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.

Family
Viperidae
Danger
high

About the Lojan Lancehead

Bothrocophias lojanus, also known commonly as the Lojan lancehead in English, and macanchi or macaucho in Spanish, is a species of venomous pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.

Geographic range

B. lojanus is found in Ecuador and Peru.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of B. lojanus is forest at altitudes of 1,900–3,678 m (6,234–12,067 ft).

Diet

B. lojanus preys upon lizards and small rodents.

Reproduction

B. lojanus is viviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Lojan Lancehead

Is the Lojan Lancehead venomous?
Yes. The Lojan Lancehead (Bothrocophias lojanus) is venomous and belongs to the Viperidae family (viper). Its bite is considered high risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Lojan Lancehead poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Lojan Lancehead is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Lojan Lancehead dangerous?
This is a venomous snake. Treat any bite as a medical emergency: stay calm, keep the bitten limb still and roughly level with the heart, remove rings and tight clothing, and get to emergency care immediately. Do not apply a tourniquet, cut the wound, apply ice, or try to suck out venom. Call your local emergency number or poison center.
Where does the Lojan Lancehead live?
The Lojan Lancehead has verified records in 1 country, including Ecuador. See the distribution section below for its full range.
What does the Lojan Lancehead eat?
B. lojanus preys upon lizards and small rodents.

If you are bitten by the Lojan Lancehead

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

Ecuador

More Viperidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Viperidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Bothrocophias
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Bothrocophias lojanus

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.