This lectin displays hemagglutinating activity on dog (128'000 HU/mg) and cat erythrocytes, that is inhibited by beta-galactosides (D-galactose, D-lactose, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine) and EDTA. In addition, has been shown to hemagglutinate promastigote forms of Leishmania amazonensis. Also inhibits Gram-positive (S.aureus ATCC 25923) (MIC is 31.25 ug/ml) but not Gram-negative (E.coli ATCC 25922) bacteria. Is a calcium-dependent lectin. Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Expressed by the venom gland. Does not agglutinate erythrocytes from horse, ox and mouse at doses up to 800 ug/ml. Hemagglutinin activity is not inhibited by D-fructose, D-maltose, D-mannose, and D-sucrose. Belongs to the true venom lectin family. The same name (BpL) has been given to a lectin from Bothrops pirajai (AC P0DL30).