According to a document published on the subject, Amphibians and Reptiles of Guyana, South America, there are currently 97 documented snake species in the country of Guyana. Below is a list of 74 of them that I could find information about, listed in alphabetical order. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Below is more information about each of the snakes of Guyana.
Bushmaster (Lachesis muta)
Description & Identification: The bushmaster is the longest venomous snake in the Americas, reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. It has a reddish-brown, tan, or yellowish coloration with dark diamond-shaped markings along its back. Its triangular head, heat-sensing pits, and keeled scales help differentiate it from non-venomous species.
Diet & Prey: Bushmasters primarily hunt small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They use ambush tactics, relying on their camouflage and heat-sensitive pits to detect warm-blooded prey at night.
Predators & Camouflage: Their natural predators include large birds of prey, such as eagles, and some larger mammals. Their coloration blends seamlessly with the leaf litter of the forest floor, making them difficult to spot.
Threat Level to Humans: Highly venomous and potentially deadly. Bites cause severe pain, swelling, necrosis, and can lead to systemic failure if untreated.
Habitat & Regions in Guyana: Bushmasters inhabit dense tropical rainforests, preferring humid environments. They are most commonly found in the remote, forested regions of southern and central Guyana.
Lifestyle & Behavior: Bushmasters are primarily nocturnal and solitary. They tend to avoid human encounters but will strike if provoked or stepped on.
What to Do if Encountered: Remain calm and back away slowly. Do not make sudden movements, as the snake may perceive them as a threat.
Antivenom & Treatment: Antivenom is required for a bite. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
Protection & Escape: Wear protective boots and avoid stepping into thick vegetation without visibility. If necessary, climb to a higher vantage point or retreat cautiously.
Similar Snakes & Differentiation: Can be confused with large non-venomous boas, but boas lack heat pits and have a different body shape.
Fer-de-lance (Bothrops atrox)
Description & Identification: A medium to large pit viper, the fer-de-lance has a broad, flat head and a body marked with dark, jagged patterns. Its coloration varies from brown to olive green, aiding its camouflage.
Diet & Prey: It preys on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and even other snakes. It is an ambush predator, striking quickly and injecting hemotoxic venom.
Predators & Camouflage: Eagles, jaguars, and some larger snakes prey on young fer-de-lances. Their cryptic coloration helps them blend into forest floors and underbrush.
Threat Level to Humans: Extremely dangerous. It is responsible for the majority of snakebites in its range, causing tissue damage, bleeding disorders, and, without treatment, possible fatality.
Habitat & Regions in Guyana: Common in rainforests, plantations, and near human settlements in Guyana’s lowlands and river valleys.
Lifestyle & Behavior: Mainly nocturnal but can be active during the day. It is highly defensive and will strike if disturbed.
What to Do if Encountered: Slowly back away and give the snake space. Do not attempt to move it.
Antivenom & Treatment: Antivenom is crucial. Immediate medical care is required to prevent severe complications.
Protection & Escape: Wear snake-proof boots and stay on clear paths. If bitten, remain calm and seek emergency treatment.
Similar Snakes & Differentiation: Can be confused with harmless snakes like the False Fer-de-lance (Xenodon severus), which has a different head shape.
Hog-nosed Pit Viper (Porthidium nasutum)
Description & Identification: A small pit viper with a distinctive upturned snout. It has earthy brown coloration with dark bands, providing excellent camouflage.
Diet & Prey: Feeds on small mammals, frogs, and lizards, using ambush tactics to catch prey.
Predators & Camouflage: Birds of prey and larger snakes may prey on it. Its brownish coloration blends well with forest litter.
Threat Level to Humans: Mildly venomous. Bites cause localized pain and swelling but are rarely fatal.
Habitat & Regions in Guyana: Prefers humid forests and marshy areas in Guyana’s lowlands.
Lifestyle & Behavior: Generally docile but will strike if provoked.
What to Do if Encountered: Back away and avoid sudden movements.
Antivenom & Treatment: Bites rarely require antivenom, but medical evaluation is recommended.
Protection & Escape: Wear protective clothing and avoid stepping on unseen areas.
Similar Snakes & Differentiation: Can be mistaken for harmless ground snakes, but the pit viper has heat-sensing pits.
Anomalous Coral Snake (Micrurus lemniscatus)
Description & Identification: A small, slender snake with bright red, black, and yellow bands. True coral snakes have red bands touching yellow bands.
Diet & Prey: Feeds on other snakes, lizards, and amphibians.
Predators & Camouflage: Some birds and larger snakes prey on it. Its bright coloration warns predators of its venom.
Threat Level to Humans: Highly venomous. Bites can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
Habitat & Regions in Guyana: Found in forests, grasslands, and sometimes near rivers.
Lifestyle & Behavior: Elusive and non-aggressive but will bite if handled.
What to Do if Encountered: Do not attempt to handle. Slowly move away.
Antivenom & Treatment: Antivenom is needed for a bite.
Protection & Escape: Avoid reaching into crevices or under logs.
Similar Snakes & Differentiation: Can be mistaken for harmless mimic species like the False Coral Snake (Erythrolamprus aesculapii), which has red bands separated from yellow by black.
Aquatic Coral Snake (Micrurus surinamensis)
Description & Identification: A medium-sized, semi-aquatic snake with red, black, and yellow bands. Its body is slightly flattened for swimming.
Diet & Prey: Feeds on fish, amphibians, and other snakes.
Predators & Camouflage: Its bright coloration deters predators, though some large fish and birds may prey on it.
Threat Level to Humans: Highly venomous. Bites can be fatal due to neurotoxic venom.
Habitat & Regions in Guyana: Lives in rivers, swamps, and flooded forests.
Lifestyle & Behavior: Mostly aquatic and rarely seen on land.
What to Do if Encountered: Avoid handling or disturbing it.
