Details
Bothrops asper
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.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It ranges from northeastern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. Moist forest, stream edges and farm margins are frequent habitats.
Adults reach 120-250 cm and 1-6 kg, with females larger than males. The brown body usually carries yellowish zigzag or triangular markings.
Nocturnal and solitary, it rests camouflaged in leaf litter by day. When cornered, it coils defensively and can strike very quickly.
Adults take many rodents and other small mammals, along with birds and frogs. Young snakes may use a pale tail tip to lure prey.
The species is live-bearing, and large females can produce many young. Warm, humid lowlands support rapid growth.
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.
