Terciopelo ( Bothrops asper) [note 1] is a highly venomous species of pit viper found at low to moderate elevations in northeast Mexico and Central America, and into South America where it is known from elevations up to 2600 meters in the Colombian and Ecuadorian Andes, as well as into Venezuela. [3] The bothrops asper is one of the most dangerous snakes in the Americas. In this post, you'll learn about these short-tempered and highly poisonous fer de lance, terciopelo vipers. We'll cover their diet, size, habits, differences, and more. Plus, their unusual hunting method, heat-sensing abilities, and reproduction.
Bothrops asper The Lance Head Viper. The Ultimate Pit Viper, An Exceedingly Venomous Snake
Bothrops is a genus of highly venomous pit vipers endemic to the Neotropics. [1] The generic name, Bothrops, is derived from the Greek words βόθρος, bothros, meaning "pit", and ώπς, ops, meaning "eye" or "face", together an allusion to the heat-sensitive loreal pit organs. The Terciopelo, or Bothrops asper, is a robust and powerful snake, renowned for its size and potent venom. Adults typically reach lengths of 1.2 to 2.5 meters (4 to 8.2 feet), making them one of the largest pit vipers. They can weigh up to 6 kilograms (13 lbs), which is substantial for a snake. Their coloration is generally light to dark brown. Bothrops asper is found on the Pacfic coastal plains and Andes Pacific versant from Columbia to as far south as the border of Peru and Ecuador. These snakes are also found in Northern Peru near the Pacific coast. The fer-de-lance, known in Spanish as barba amarilla ("yellow chin"), is a pit viper (subfamily Crotalinae)—i.e., distinguished by a small sensory pit between each eye and nostril. It has a broad triangular head and is usually about 1.2 to 2 metres (4 to 7 feet) long.
Ferdelance Snake Bothrops asper Costa Rica Stock Photo Alamy
In Ecuador, the Central American Lancehead ( Bothrops asper) may be identified by having a triangular-shaped head with a snout that is not upturned, heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils, and a dorsal pattern of 14-28 pale X-shaped markings on a brownish dorsum. 1, 2 Newborn lanceheads have brightly-colored tail tips (yellowish in male. Bothrops asper is a highly venomous pit viper species ranging from southern Mexico to northern South America. Sometimes referred to as the 'ultimate pit viper', these snakes are found in a wide range of lowland habitats, often near human habitations. The fer-de-lance ( Bothrops asper) is a highly venomous pit viper species found from southern Mexico to northern South America. It is the most dangerous snake of Central and South America and is the main cause of fatal snakebite incidents within its range. Terciopelo | snake | Britannica Other articles where terciopelo is discussed: fer-de-lance:.name to the terciopelo (B. asper) and the common lancehead (B. atrox) of South America. The name fer-de-lance has also been used collectively to describe all snakes of the Central and South American genus Bothrops and the Asian genus Trimeresurus.
40 Bothrops Asper Facts Guide to Fer de Lance (Terciopelo Viper) Ecuador animals, Animal
Order: Squamata Suborder: Serpentes Family: Viperidae Subfamily: Crotalinae Genus: Bothrops Species: B. asper Quick Facts: The title "Fer-de-Lance" originally referred to the Martinique lancehead ( Bothrops lanceolatus) found on the island of the same name in the West Indies. The Terciopelo ( Bothrops asper; Central America)and Fer-de-Lance ( Bothrops atrox; South America) are closely related pit vipers in the family Crotalidae. They reach up to eight feet (2.5 m), with heads up to four inches (10 cm) wide. These snakes are greatly feared and have many common names. Barba Amarilla (yellow beard) is what larger.
Characteristics of Bothrops asper. The species presents a marked sexual dimorphism. The female is longer, thicker and heavier than the male. The female reaches a length of 1.85 to 2.5 m, and weighs about 6 kg. The male, on the other hand, is smaller, measuring between 1.4 and 1.80 m, and less heavy. The head of the fer-de-lance is very defined. It is not afraid of human dwelling areas. When it feels agitated, the fer-de-lance may vibrate its tail—the buzz is audible—before striking. It moves quickly when threatened. Other large vipers are more inclined to escape when they feel attacked, but the terciopelo is more likely to strike.
Terciopelo (Bothrops Asper) Royalty Free Stock Photo Image 32271885
This snake is extremely unpredictable and extremely fast moving. This snake will sometimes flee quickly and then suddenly turn around and even more quickly, strike the unsuspecting and unfortunate person involved. Fernández, J. et al. Muscle phospholipid hydrolysis by Bothrops asper Asp49 and Lys49 phospholipase A2 myotoxins — distinct mechanisms of action. FEBS J. 280 , 3878-3886 (2013).
