Southern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix

Alternate Name(s):

Highland Mocassin

 

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, usually of hourglass shape (broadly triangular on the sides and narrow mid dorsally) may not meet 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 but has been documented at more than 4 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 northern or the Osage copperhead occur in a broad swath along the northern and eastern borders of the range of the southern copperhead.

 

Unique Features:

A heat sensory pit is located between but lower than the eye and nostril. Pupil is 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. Adults primarily feed on rodents while juveniles feed on a range of prey including salamanders, lizards, frogs, small snakes and insects.

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, AL, NC, TN, AR, IL, LA, MS, TX, MO, OK Northern Copperhead states: AL, CT, DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, WV.