BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE VENOMS OF THE LANCEHEAD VIPERS (BOTHROPS-ATROX, BOTHROPS-ASPER, BOTHROPS-MARAJOENSIS AND BOTHROPS-MOOJENI)

1. Venoms of B. asper, B. atrox, B. marajoensis and B. moojeni collected in different regions were analyzed by their enzymatic activity and polyacrylamide gel electrophoreses (acidic, basic and SDS). 2. These species can be recognized and distinguished by their characteristic protein electrophoretic patterns. 3. The venoms of B. atrox from different localities, although having similar protein electrophoretic distribution, display distinct proteinase patterns, indicating the presence of possible subspecies. 4. By the composition of the venom, the snake B. moojeni must be classified as a species distinct from B. atrox. 5. The B. asper venoms, from Atlantic and Pacific coasts, have not only different enzymatic activities but also different electrophoretic patterns. The classification of this species must be revised.