4256 x 2832 px | 36 x 24 cm | 14,2 x 9,4 inches | 300dpi
Date de la prise de vue:
11 décembre 2012
Lieu:
Central Latin America Mesoamerica Costa Rica Puntarenas Province Peninsula de Osa Corcovado
Informations supplémentaires:
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: Bothrops asper is a 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. Its proximity to human habitations is likely the reason why it is considered more dangerous to humans than others. This species is the main cause of snakebite incidents within its range. Bothrops species can be distinguished by their broad, flattened heads which are set apart from the rest of their bodies. To prevent water loss where they occur in drier regions, this species has more scales. Across its geographic range, this species varies greatly phenotypically. As a result, great confusion between it and other related species, most notably Bothrops atrox, which is similar in color but usually has yellow or rust-like tones and rectangular or trapezoidal blotches. The head of this snake is light to dark brown or even black. Although usually absent, it may have occipital botches or streaks that range from indistinct to distinct. The underside is most often pale yellow. Specimens of this species may weigh up to 6 kilograms (13 lb) and are often 1.2 to 1.8 meters (3.9 to 5.9 ft) in length. Very big females can reach lengths up to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft), although this is uncommon. This species has different patterns and colors on its dorsal and ventral sides and it exhibits a postorbital stripe. The ventral side is yellow, cream, or a whitish gray, with dark blotches that are more frequent closer to the posterior end. Ventrolaterally, B. asper has interchanging gray scales which are more pale towards the medial line. There is a great variety of colours on its dorsal side: olive, gray, light brown to dark brown, tan or sometimes nearly black. Dark triangles with pale edges can be seen laterally, which range in number from 18 to 25.
