Reptile
Terciopelo
Bothrops asperTerciopelos are large pit vipers patterned with pale-edged dark triangles that disappear against damp leaf litter. They hunt from ambush, commonly resting motionless on the forest floor and defending themselves forcefully when approached too closely.
Pit ViperLeaf-litter AmbushHeat Sensing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyRodents, Frogs, Lizards
Predators
- Large raptors
- Other large snakes
- Carnivorous mammals
ThreatsForest clearing, road mortality, deliberate killing, and persecution near settlements
HabitatsHumid lowland forest, plantations, forest edges, river valleys, and disturbed tropical ground
Life spanOften about 15 to 20 years
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- SpeciesBothrops asper
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Highly venomous and defensive at close range; stay several meters away and seek emergency care immediately after any bite.
- Why it is dangerous
- Proteolytic and hemotoxic venom can cause extreme pain, swelling, tissue destruction, systemic bleeding, shock, and death without prompt treatment.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Identify a broad triangular head, heat-sensing facial pits, and dark triangular side markings edged with paler color.
- What to do
- Never approach, move, or provoke the snake; retreat slowly and obtain emergency medical care after any possible bite.
Responsible observation
- Ground: Scan leaf litter ahead without stepping off a clear trail.
- Pattern: Look for pale-edged triangular marks along a heavy brown body.
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