What Central American pit viper is also widely called the terciopelo?

The Central American pit viper widely called the terciopelo is Bothrops asper. This large, highly venomous species ranges from northeastern Mexico through Central America and into northern South America.

Bothrops asper belongs to the genus Bothrops, a group of pit vipers known for heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils. These organs help the snake detect warm-bodied prey in darkness. The terciopelo is an ambush predator, usually relying on camouflage and patience rather than pursuing animals over long distances.

It is among the largest vipers in its range, with exceptional individuals reaching about 2.5 meters and weighing up to roughly 6 kilograms. Its brown body often carries yellowish or zigzag markings. Because it occurs near farms, roads, livestock and settlements, it is responsible for many serious snakebites in the regions where it lives.

The name can cause confusion because several other lancehead vipers share the Bothrops genus, including Bothrops atrox. The stored answer is more precise: Bothrops asper is the scientific species name, while terciopelo is one of its widely used common names. No subspecies are currently recognized.