The Hottest Chile Peppers

Habaneros and Scotch bonnets, both in Capsicum chinense, are usually considered the hottest chile peppers.  In fact, many people seem to assume that all of the really hot chile peppers are in Capsicum chinense.  However,  the tepin chile pepper (Capsicum annuum v. aviculare) and the pequin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum - AKA Bird Pepper) are as hot or hotter.  A dried tepin is about the size of a pea and bright red.  Three tepins added to a pot of spaghetti sauce can render it too hot for all but chile heads.