The Green Goblin!

Will0W783 · 02-28-12, 01:31 PM

I thought I'd show you guys some shots of Green Goblin, my fiance's 2010 Bothriechis schegelli (eyelash viper). Goblin is generally a tractable fellow, but has his days where he's just a terror. Eyelash vipers are very beautiful, relatively small arboreal viperids, and their venom is closely related to North American pitviper venom (rattlesnakes and copperheads). In fact, eyelash viper bites are treated with Wyeth polyvalent Crotaline antivenin, which most USA hospitals keep in stock. Regardless, these little fellows can do a fair amount of damage if you're sensitive to the toxins. I know people who were tagged and didn't require antivenin, but I also know of a few people who have permanent nerve damage and scarring from an eyelash viper bite.
While there are NO good "starter hots," many people will begin with an eyelash viper- their small size (18-30 inches) and rarely fatal venom, along with their sluggish nature, make them popular among collectors. They come in a wide variety of colors, from bright red, to pink, to neon yellow, to mossy green, grey and even brown....and combinations of many colors.

Goblin is a green-phase eyelash viper, and he is developing a nice mottled pattern with splotches of brick red, black, and brown. He has more than tripled in size since we brought him home a year ago, and is almost full-grown. He should reach his adult size in the next 6 months or so.

Here is Goblin when we first brought him home- on a pocket sized snake hook (he was about 7 inches long).

And here he is as of last night- he is now about a foot and a half long.

theapexgerman · 02-28-12, 01:33 PM

I got nerve dammage on my leg from a sidewinder I was thinking of getting another hot and a eyelash was on my list at one time but eh I don't wanna get taged again

Will0W783 · 02-28-12, 01:35 PM

I would prefer to work with an arboreal viperid than a terrestrial one any day! I have only been struck at once by Goblin. I do have years of experience with non-venomous arboreals though. I would suggest keeping GTPs and ATBs first- an eyelash viper is much the same.

theapexgerman · 02-28-12, 01:39 PM

I was 11 or 10 and a damm sidewinder got me it was a wild on in my dad house so ill hold off of a viper for a bit lol

alessia55 · 02-28-12, 01:40 PM

Goblin is the "nicest" of all your venomous ones though, IMO.
Here's a photo I have of him on my computer:

Will0W783 · 02-28-12, 01:47 PM

"Nice" as in looks or temperament? Bisa, the black Wagler's, is by far the calmest of the hots. She doesn't try to strike at me or gape. Goblin has taken a few swipes at me- didn't come close, but he sure threw a fit!

Trent · 02-28-12, 06:58 PM

Very neat looking snake!

jaleely · 02-28-12, 08:57 PM

just squeeeeee! i LOVE him. I want ooooone!!!! If only i could trust myself. Maybe one day when I am able to get more sleep, and be more aware and careful. I would one day love to own one of these, and a rattlesnake! Loooove!!!

DragonsEye · 02-28-12, 09:14 PM

Handsome bloke.

Rogue628 · 02-29-12, 12:11 AM

He's a really good looking snake!

I'm almost jealous of your hot collection but I don't think I'd want to own any....so I'll just live vicariously with them through you lol

Will0W783 · 02-29-12, 06:10 AM

Honestly, I think as time goes on, and once I've got a bigger house with more room to deal with, I'd like to concentrate on arboreal vipers- there is so much variety, vibrat colors, interesting head shapes...they just fascinate me.

alessia55 · 03-03-12, 05:54 PM

Some photos I got of Goblin today at Kim's house:

Will0W783 · 03-03-12, 06:17 PM

I love the one of him poking his head out of his cage.