Bothrops oligolepis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bothrops oligolepis |
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Bothrops
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oligolepis
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The Peruvian forest-pitviper (scientific name: Bothrops oligolepis) is a type of venomous pitviper. This snake lives in the forests of Peru and Bolivia. It is known for its unique patterns and its ability to climb.
The name oligolepis comes from two Greek words. Oligo means "few" and lepis means "scales." This name probably refers to the fact that this snake has fewer scales than some other similar species. No different types (subspecies) of this snake are currently known.
What Does It Look Like?
Adult Peruvian forest-pitvipers can grow to be at least 98.6 centimeters (about 39 inches) long. Their bodies are fairly thin. They have a special tail that can grip things, like branches. This is called a prehensile tail, which helps them move through trees.
Their skin has a base color that can be brownish green, green, or grayish green. Over this, they have pairs of dark brown or black stripes. These stripes are outlined with yellow or yellowish-white borders. Near the head, these stripes often break up into spots of both colors.
Sometimes, you might see a row of yellowish spots along their sides. Each spot covers a few scales and can extend all the way to the tail. The snake's belly is yellow with light green blotches. On its head, there is a clear dark stripe behind the eye. This stripe goes down to the corner of its mouth.
Where Does It Live?
The Peruvian forest-pitviper lives on the eastern side of the Andes mountains. You can find it in both Peru and Bolivia. The first time this snake was officially described, it was found in "Bolivia." This place is known as its type locality.
