Bothrops neuwiedi Wagler in Spix, 1824 Fig. 4 K

Natural history notes.

Medium-sized snake (n = 1), terrestrial and nocturnal (Marques et al. 2016). We spotted an adult during the day (12:50 h) in March, in a rocky field area. It was basking near a forest fragment at 2150 m a.s.l. When the observer approached, it fled into the forest. The available data in the literature indicates it was found mainly in fields and other open formations (Borges and Araújo 1998, Valdujo et al. 2002, Bérnils 2009). Diet is composed primarily of mammals (Martins et al. 2001, Valdujo et al. 2002).

Altitudinal variation.

The neuwiedi complex species was found at a minimum of sea level in the coast of Rio de Janeiro State, and a maximum of 1600 m a.s.l. in Parque Estadual do Ibitipoca, MG ( Bérnils 2009). The maximum altitudinal record for this species is extended here, with an individual observed at 2150 m a.s.l. in the PESP, Baependi, MG. Bérnils (2009) states more than 80% of the surveyed toponyms are located in mountain and plateau areas, and only five toponyms have been recorded at sea level.

Distribution and habitat.

Northeast, central-west, southeast and southern Brazil (Bahia, Goiás, Minas Gerais, Paraiba, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Santa Catarina) (Wallach et al. 2014). Like other taxa of the neuwiedi complex, this species occurs in open formations, such as savannas, rocky fields, and steppes ( Bérnils 2009).