Aspects of the natural history of the Sertao lancehead Bothrops lutzi from Brazil

Abstract

Bothrops lutzi is a secretive species mainly associated with the Cerrado, Carrasco and ecotonal areas of Cerrado-Caatinga vegetation. We gathered information about habitat use, diet and the parasites of this elusive species. The species was found exclusively in Carrasco vegetation habitats in the states of Piaui and Ceará, but not in the core Caatinga region. Bothrops lutzi appears to have a diet composed of invertebrates and small vertebrates, not changing during its ontogeny. Three endoparasites were identified, one of them, Oswaldofilaria sp., is the first record for a Bothrops spp.