Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: A. contortrix
Eastern and central North America, ranging from Massachusetts south to northern Florida, and west to Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Look up Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: A. contortrix
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat fragmentation and intentional persecution.
Physical Description
Features a distinct hourglass-shaped or dumbbell-shaped crossband pattern of chestnut-brown or reddish-brown over a lighter tan, pinkish, or pale brown background. The head is typically broad, triangular, and uniformly copper-colored.
Size & Dimensions
Adults typically range from 50 to 90 cm (20 to 35 inches) in total length, with maximum recorded lengths exceeding 100 cm. This particular specimen appears to be a juvenile or subadult.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, wetland edges, and suburban areas bordering natural woods. Prefers areas with abundant cover such as fallen logs, leaf litter, and rock piles.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists primarily of small rodents, lizards, frogs, birds, and large insects like cicadas. They are ambush predators that rely on camouflage to wait for passing prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing), producing litters typically ranging from 1 to 21 young (averaging 4 to 7). Mating generally occurs in late summer or early autumn, with births taking place in late summer of the following year.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local declines occur due to habitat fragmentation and intentional persecution.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in forest ecosystems by helping to regulate small mammal and rodent populations. Often figures into regional folklore in North America.
Notable Features
Possesses heat-sensing pit organs located between the eye and the nostril, which allow it to detect warm-blooded prey in total darkness. Juveniles feature a bright yellow or greenish-yellow tail tip used for caudal luring.
Notes
East texas