Nature Field Guide
Picado’s Pitviper
- Spanish name
- Mano de piedra costarricense
- Scientific name
- Atropoides picadoi
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What helps this reptile fit into its habitat?”
Tati: “Let’s look at its shape, colors and surroundings while giving it plenty of space.”
Species overview
About the Picado’s Pitviper
Picado’s pitviper has a very robust body, a broad head and strongly textured scales. Dark angular shapes cross a lighter brown or gray background and help it blend with fallen leaves. It is venomous.
The species occurs in wet Caribbean-slope forests from lowlands into the mountains of the Central Volcanic and Talamanca ranges. Its name honors Costa Rican scientist Clodomiro Picado. Learn its appearance from illustrations and trusted guides; never approach a live snake to confirm its identity or provoke it to move.
Identification
Key Features of the Picado’s Pitviper
Very robust body
Broad head and rough-looking keeled scales
Dark angular blotches on a lighter background
Habitat & range
Wet Caribbean-slope forests, including northern foothills and the Central Volcanic and Talamanca mountain systems.
Local observations
Native species recorded in Costa Rica. Sightings depend on suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Observe on a suitable guided outing. Activity varies with weather, season and locality; do not disturb a resting or hidden animal.
Conservation & care
VENOMOUS. Observe only from a distance with a qualified guide. Keep children and pets well away. Never approach, touch, catch or provoke this snake, and do not reach into nearby vegetation.
Threats & pressures
Protect connected habitat and natural shelters. Avoid collection, unnecessary clearing and deliberate killing. Leave wildlife in place and support responsible observation.
Observation activity
From the illustration, compare a stout ground snake with a slender tree snake. Discuss how each uses its habitat.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Highlands · Northern Plains · Alajuela · Cartago · Heredia · Limón · San José