Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order Squamata, Suborder Serpentes, Family Viperidae, Subfamily Crotalinae, Genus Agkistrodon, Species Agkistrodon contortrix
Eastern and central United States, extending from southern New England south to northern Florida, and west to East Texas and southern Illinois.
Look up Eastern Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order Squamata, Suborder Serpentes, Family Viperidae, Subfamily Crotalinae, Genus Agkistrodon, Species Agkistrodon contortrix
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern (LC). Threats include habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional persecution by humans.
Physical Description
Distinctive hourglass or Hershey's Kiss shaped crossbands that are narrow along the spine and wide along the lower sides. Pale copper-to-tan background color. Triangular head clearly distinct from the neck, copper-colored head without dorsal markings, vertical slit pupils, heat-sensing pit organs between eyes and nostrils, and keeled scales.
Size & Dimensions
This adult specimen appears to be approximately 2 to 2.5 feet (60-75 cm) long. Typical adult size ranges from 20 to 37 inches (50-95 cm), with maximum recorded lengths around 4.5 feet (135 cm).
Habitat
Deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, swamp edges, agricultural fields, and suburban landscapes such as garden beds with wood mulch.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous ambush predator feeding on small mammals (mice, voles), cicadas and other large insects, frogs, lizards, birds, and small snakes. Employs strike-and-release tactic using venom.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litter size ranges from 1 to 14 young (typically 4-8) born in late summer or early autumn. Neonates possess a bright sulfur-yellow tail tip used for caudal luring.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with the harmless Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon), Eastern Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum), and Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus). Watersnakes have bands that are widest on the back rather than the sides, round pupils, and lack heat pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern (LC). Threats include habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional persecution by humans.
Cultural Significance
Plays a crucial ecological role in controlling rodent populations in eastern North American ecosystems. Frequently encountered in suburban environments due to its excellent camouflage in leaf litter and garden mulch.
Notable Features
Features heat-sensitive loreal pits for night hunting, iconic 'Hershey's Kiss' hourglass pattern along the lateral body, copper-red unmarked head crown, and keeled dorsal scales.