Terciopelo is a species of pit vipers occurring 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 Venezuela and Trinidad on the Caribbean coast. The fer-de-lance's name means 'spearhead' in French. It is the most dangerous snake of Central and South America, and causes more human deaths than any other American reptile. On average, a fer-de-lance injects 105mg of venom in one bite, although a venom yield of up to 310mg has been recorded while milking them. The fer-de-lance is the main cause of snakebite incidents within its range and bite symptoms include local pain, severe swelling, numbness, nausea, vomiting, blistering, bruising, and necrosis. They have a very potent and fast acting hemotoxic venom. Behavior: Fer-de-lances are easily agitated and can move very fast. They are primarily solitary and nocturnal; these well-camouflaged snakes tend to bask and rest during the day unless threatened. They are less active during cool and/or dry weather. Fer-de-lances cause the majority of snake bites within its range. Fer-de-lances are carnivores and feed on birds, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, mainly rats, and mice. Juveniles consume small frogs, lizards, and even large insects.

Scientific name: Bothrops asper

Family: Viperidae