Bothriechis – Palm vipers

These snakes are as beautiful as they are dangerous, carrying a type of hemotoxic venom, meaning it can destroy red blood cells, disrupt blood clotting, and cause organ degeneration and generalized tissue damage. This venom makes them formidable predators and a threat to any unwary creature that might cross their path.

Found predominantly in Mexico and other regions across Central America, these snakes have adapted perfectly to their environments. They are typically arboreal, which means they live in trees. Their emerald green coloration provides excellent camouflage amidst the lush green foliage, making them nearly invisible as they lurk above. This is why they are often not seen until they are almost under one’s nose, blending seamlessly with the leaves and branches they call home.

Although they prefer the trees, members of the Bothriechis genus can also be found on the ground, especially in the forest floor’s leaf litter. This behavior requires one to tread carefully in their habitats to avoid an unexpected and undesirable encounter.

The behavior patterns of these snakes can be quite perplexing as they show different activity levels depending on their elevation. Those living at higher altitudes are often active during the day (diurnal). In contrast, the palm vipers that reside at lower elevations are generally active at night (nocturnal). This variation may be related to temperature regulation, prey availability, and predator avoidance strategies.