Terciopelo (Bothrops asper)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) (origin: Central America, northern South America – rainforest and plantations). Adult size around 150–200 cm (females considerably larger). Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Terciopelo: How big does the enclosure need to be?
180×90×80 cm.
Terciopelo: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–30 °C, basking spot 31–33 °C, at night 22–24 °C.
Terciopelo: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential.
Terciopelo: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Terciopelo: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 22–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 31–33 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- Not essential
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 180×90×80 cm
- Substrate
- Damp forest floor: coco soil with leaf litter, large hides
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 14–21 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 150–200 cm (females considerably larger)
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- Central America, northern South America – rainforest and plantations
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – causes most of the bite incidents in Central America; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
One of the most dangerous snakes in Latin America: large, nervous, fast and with a high venom yield. Decidedly defensive — work only with a hook and a second person.
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What you need to start
To keep Terciopelo (Bothrops asper) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (180×90×80 cm), substrate (Damp forest floor: coco soil with leaf litter, large hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terciopelo-Lanzenotter, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Bothrops&species=asper
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).