2. Fer-de-lance, common lancehead, terciopelo, barba amarilla (Bothrops atrox)
Fer-de-lance is native to Mexico and northern South American continent. It inhabits a range of habitats, including tropical forests and cultivated lands where it is very common. Fer-de-lance is a French name which means “lance head” referring to its head shape, and it is also known under many common names like Spanish barba amarilla, which translates as “yellow chin”, or terciopelo meaning “velvet”. It can be up to 2 meters in length, with a broad distinctive head. Interestingly, females can grow as 10 times as the size of males. The background color is gray to brown with darker diamond shape pattern. It is considered as one of the deadliest species because of the usual encounters with humans which cause death.
