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537 Featured Specimen
Terciopelo

Details

Terciopelo

Bothrops asper

Size
Total length 1.2–2.5 m · 1–6 kg
Diet
Carnivore
Activity
Nocturnal
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan

The terciopelo is a large pit viper from Mesoamerica and northern South America. Because it often lives near people, it is a major source of serious snakebite.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
NeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropicalNeotropical

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It ranges from northeastern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Moist forest, stream edges and farm margins are frequent habitats.

Appearance

Adults reach 120-250 cm and 1-6 kg, with females larger than males. The brown body usually carries yellowish zigzag or triangular markings.

Behavior

Nocturnal and solitary, it rests camouflaged in leaf litter by day. When cornered, it coils defensively and can strike very quickly.

Feeding

Adults take many rodents and other small mammals, along with birds and frogs. Young snakes may use a pale tail tip to lure prey.

Reproduction

The species is live-bearing, and large females can produce many young. Warm, humid lowlands support rapid growth.

Notes

It is listed as Least Concern, but its medical importance is high because it overlaps farms and villages. Bites usually follow accidental contact or attempts to handle the snake.