Jun 15
Fer-de-lance or Terciopelo (Bothrops asper), family Viperidae, Mindo, Ecuador
Venomous.
Nocturnal and solitary.
One of the largest of vipers, growing up to 6 kg (13 lb), and 2.5 m (8.2 ft).
Within its range, it is known to be responsible for the most venomous snake bites, due to its abundance and highly defensive nature.
Once responsible for many snakebite deaths, better medical knowledge about venomous snake bites has greatly decreased fatalities over the past 25 years.
photograph by Michał Kawalec
