Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been looking into the eyelash vipers and I seem to be getting some mixed messages and thought I'd ask the experts. How many species of "eyelash" viper are there? What is the relative toxicity of the venom (I've read on some venom reports that their venom is quite toxic and in other places that it is usually not life threatening)? What are the primary venom properties (eg. Neurotoxic, Hemotoxic, Cardiotoxic, etc...)? Would anyone out there consider the "eyelash" viper to be a comparitively "safe" first hot (compared to say a naja)? Thanks.
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Ron

"What we do is but a shadow of what we want to do..." Peter Weiss

Eyelash vipers are hemotoxic and their venom is not as potent as other arboreal venomous species. The effects would be necrosis, possible amputation, and if something else is wrong with you death. Eyelash vipers are only one species, Bothriechis schlegelii. However there are several color phases:gold, green, tiger, and various patterns of the gold. I would not recommend an eyelash for someones first venomous snake due to various reasons. A better choice would be a copperhead in my opion. The venom is similiar, the upkeep is easier, and they are a less costly species to start with. I hope I was of some help to you.
Bill H.