Costa Rican snake (2 Viewers)

[Cuckoo-shrike]

A friend has sent through this photo of what he believes is a Fer-de-Lance. I'm not so sure. The real thing has a dark crown and a dark line running back from the eye, both of which this snake lacks. I don't think the head shape is right for a pit viper, plus the other markings aren't right.
Any opinions?

 

[THE_FERN]

Not a fer-de-lance I think, but I can't give you an id.

Perhaps the shape of the triangular body markings with their dark apical points is a better criterion for fer-de-lance as head shape and the dark cheek mark may be missing from young ones (see attached from CR reptile book). The pic lacks all of these

 

[Oldnintheway]

Lots of snakes in Costa Rica! Have a look at Lyre Snakes, Trimorphodon biscutatus.

 

[Cuckoo-shrike]

Thanks both for your input. I think it's a Mexican Lyre Snake Trimorthodon tau.

rimo