The terciopelo (Bothrops asper) is a species of pit viper found from north-east Mexico to northern South America. At low to moderate elevations, its habitat ranges from northeastern Mexico to Colombian and Ecuadorian Andes, as well as Venezuela. With a mass of up to 6 kilograms (13 lb), and a maximal length of 2.5 metres (8.2 ft), the terciopelo is among the largest vipers. It is light to dark brown in color, often with yellowish, zig-zag patterning on either side of its body.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Lanceheads (Bothrops spp.), including the fer-de-lance (B. lanceolatus) and the terciopelo (B. asper) Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Bothrops leucurus — considered venomous
- Bothrops jararacussu — considered venomous
- Bothrops atrox — considered venomous
- Bothrops moojeni — considered venomous
- Xenodon rabdocephalus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Viperidae
- Genus
- Bothrops
- Species
- Bothrops asper
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