Nature Field Guide
Central American Eyelash Pitviper
- Spanish name
- Bocaracá / Oropel / Toboba de pestañas
- Scientific name
- Bothriechis nigroadspersus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”
Species overview
About the Central American Eyelash Pitviper
Eyelash pitvipers have raised scales above their eyes and a body suited to resting on vegetation. Colors vary greatly: yellow animals are often called oropel, while others are greenish or patterned. The illustration shows one color form.
Many older Costa Rican sources use Bothriechis schlegelii. Recent taxonomic work applies Bothriechis nigroadspersus to the Central American species. This is a venomous snake. Admire a distant animal with a qualified guide and never reach into surrounding vegetation.
Identification
Key Features of the Central American Eyelash Pitviper
Raised eyelash-like scales above the eyes
Compact body resting on branches
Highly variable colors, including yellow
Habitat & range
Humid lowland and foothill forests on the Caribbean slope and in the Central and South Pacific.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence varies with suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Visibility varies with weather, habitat and the animal’s activity. Observe on an appropriate guided outing; never disturb a hiding animal to obtain a sighting.
Conservation & care
VENOMOUS. Observe only at a distance with a qualified guide. Never approach, touch, catch or provoke this snake. Keep children and pets well away and do not reach into nearby vegetation or hiding places.
Threats & pressures
Protect habitat connections and natural shelters. Avoid road mortality, collection and deliberate killing. Leave reptiles in their habitat rather than keeping or relocating them.
Observation activity
Compare two verified color forms from photographs. Explain why yellow alone cannot identify this snake.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Guanacaste · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas