Black-speckled Palm Pit Viper
Bothriechis nigroviridis
A small, mottled green and black arboreal pit viper found in the high-elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.75 m (1.6-2.5 ft)
- Range
- Costa Rica and western Panama highlands
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Overview
The Black-speckled Palm Pit Viper inhabits the cool, high-altitude cloud and elfin forests of Costa Rica and western Panama, where its mottled green-and-black pattern provides camouflage among moss-covered branches.
It is one of several closely related arboreal pit vipers in the genus Bothriechis found in Central American highlands, each specialized for life in the trees.
How to identify it
- Green background heavily speckled or mottled with black flecks
- Slender body with a prehensile tail for climbing
- Triangular head, vertical pupils
- Keeled scales creating a rough, textured look
- Distinguished from other palm pit vipers by its dense black speckling contrasted against green
Habitat & range
Found at high elevations in cloud forest and elfin forest habitats, often above 1,500 m, in Costa Rica and western Panama.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and arboreal, preying on small frogs, lizards, and rodents. Ovoviviparous. Moves slowly and deliberately, relying heavily on cryptic coloration to avoid detection.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Black-speckled Palm Pit Viper look like?
It has a green body densely speckled with black markings.
Where does it live?
In high-elevation cloud forests of Costa Rica and western Panama.
Is it dangerous?
It is venomous but small and not aggressive, rarely encountered by people.
What does it eat?
Small frogs, lizards, and rodents.
Black-speckled Palm Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-speckled Palm Pit Viper.
