Abstract

DE ROODT, Adolfo R  and  LANARI, Laura C. Notes of cases of aggression and ophiophagy by Bothops jararacussu (Lacerda 1884) in captivity. Acta toxicol. argent. [online]. 2015, vol.23, n.3, pp.134-141. ISSN 1851-3743.

Bothrops jararacussu is one of the most venomous snakes of medical importance in South America, mainly due to the toxicity of their venom and the large amount of that which can be injected in a single bite. The venom of this snake is required for the production, process and control of the therapeutic antivenoms used to treat Bothrops envenomation, so it is one of the Bothrops species common in Serpentariums located in Argentina and Brazil dedicated to the production of antivenoms. We reported two cases of ophiophagy due captive adult B. jararacussu females on Bothrops and Philodryas snakes and the aggression of specimens of this species is also described. Despite well known resistance to homologous venom of Bothrops species, the bite of this specie on other snakes of the same species and also other Bothrops snakes, produce serious injuries. These observations are important for professionals whom must maintain in captivity these species of snakes by educational or venom production purposes.

Keywords : Ophiophagy; Natural resistance; Bite; Venom.