Bothrops medusa is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Venezuela. No subspecies are currently recognized.
The specific name, medusa, refers to the Greek mythological female monster, Medusa, who had venomous snakes for hair.
Adults of Bothrops medusa usually grow to in total length (tail included). The maximum reported total length is (Roze, 1966) or slightly longer (, 1975). The body is moderately slender.
The scalation includes 20âÂÂ21 (usually 21) rows of dorsal scales at midbody, 160âÂÂ168/153âÂÂ162 ventral scales in males/females and 51âÂÂ62/46âÂÂ56 mostly undivided subcaudal scales in males/females. On the head, the canthals, internasals and rostral are elevated to form a distinct canthal ridge. There are 1âÂÂ6 intersupraoculars, 6âÂÂ9 (usually 7) supralabial scales and 8âÂÂ10 sublabial scales.
The color pattern consists of a tan, yellowish brown, reddish brown, gray or olive ground color overlaid with a series of long and irregular transverse bands. These bands are dark brown with pale centers, weakly subdivided laterally and separated from each other with short and lightly colored interspaces. In some individuals the contrast may be so poor that they appear to have a uniform dorsal coloration. The belly is yellow with many small and dark spots and flecks. On the head, a dark postocular stripe is present that frequently fuses with the first lateral body blotch. It is marked above and below by a pale narrow border.
Bothrops medusa is found in Venezuela, including the Cordillera de la Costa (coastal range), the Federal District and the states of Aragua, BolÃÂvar and Carabobo. The type locality given is "Caracas" (Venezuela).
The preferred natural habitat of Bothrops medusa is forest, at elevations of .
Bothrops medusa is terrestrial.
Bothrops medusa is ovoviviparous.