Broad-banded Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Not only is the head of this pit viper coppery tan in color, so, too, is the overall ground color. The dark bands are usually as broad dorsally as on the sides, as wide or a little wider than the pale color, and uninterrupted dorsally. Pupils are obviously elliptical in daylight but become much rounder after dark. The nose is sharply rounded, the head is broadest posteriorly. The neck is slender and the body is robust. This snake is adult at 2 to 3 feet in length. The scales are slightly keeled and are arranged in 23 to 25 tows. The anal plate is single. Intergrades sharing the characteristics of the Osage, the southern, or the Trans-Pecos copperhead, occur where the ranges about. Ovoviviparous. The neonates are paler and grayer than the adults and have a yellow or chartreuse tailtip.

 

Unique Features:

A heat sensory pit is located between but lower than the eye and nostril. Pupils are elliptical. This snake is remarkably well camouflaged amongst ground debris and fallen leaves. The tail of neonates is a “yellow lure.” This color fades with growth and age. When defensive copperheads often shake or vibrate their tail. When amidst dead leaves this produces a sound somewhat similar to that of a disturbed rattlesnake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

May be encountered in woodlands, pastures, meadows, wooded homesteads, roadside thickets, or even suburban areas. They primarily feed on smaller reptiles, cicadas, amphibians, rodents and nestling birds

 

Geographic Range:

TX, KS, , OK