Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Viperidae; Subfamily: Crotalinae; Genus: Agkistrodon; Species: A. contortrix
Eastern and Central United States, ranging from southern New England south to the Florida Panhandle and west to the Mississippi River basin and parts of Texas.
Look up Eastern Copperhead in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Venomous (Solenoglyphous - possess long, hollow, retractable fangs at the front of the mouth).
Danger Level
High Risk; while rarely fatal to healthy adults, the bite is extremely painful and requires immediate medical attention. They are responsible for more bites than any other United States snake species due to their camouflage.
Family
Order: Squamata; Suborder: Serpentes; Family: Viperidae; Subfamily: Crotalinae; Genus: Agkistrodon; Species: A. contortrix
Conservation
IUCN Status: Least Concern. However, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional killing by humans.
Physical Description
Characterized by an 'hourglass' or 'Hershey's Kiss' pattern of dark brown crossbands on a lighter tan, pinkish, or salmon-colored background. Triangular-shaped head distinct from the neck, vertical slit pupils, and heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a sub-adult or adult. Typical adults range from 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches), with a maximum recorded length of about 135 cm.
Habitat
Generalist species found in deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, and edges of swamps. Often found in suburban gardens or woodpiles. Preferred elevation ranges from sea level to about 1,500 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Generally docile and reliant on camouflage. They typically remain motionless when approached but will vibrate their tail (creating a buzzing sound in leaf litter) and strike if stepped on or harassed. Primarily diurnal in spring/fall and nocturnal in summer.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous generalists. Juveniles use caudal luring (wiggling their yellow tail tip) to attract frogs or lizards. Adults eat rodents, small birds, frogs, and large insects like cicadas. They use an ambush strategy.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (give birth to live young). Typical litter size is 4 to 10 neonates. Breeding occurs in spring, with births occurring in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Hemotoxic; primarily contains metalloproteinases that cause local tissue destruction, edema (swelling), and pain. Generally less potent than other North American pit vipers.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with non-venomous Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon) or Eastern Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum). Copperheads are distinguished by their hourglass pattern, where the bands are narrowest at the spine and widest at the sides.
Conservation Status
IUCN Status: Least Concern. However, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, road mortality, and intentional killing by humans.
Cultural Significance
Frequently misinterpreted in folklore. Ecologically vital for controlling rodent populations and maintaining the balance of forest ecosystems. Their venom is being researched for potential anti-cancer properties (Contortrostatin).
Notable Features
The distinctive hourglass pattern provides nearly perfect camouflage in fallen leaves. Juveniles possess a bright sulfur-yellow tail tip used as a lure for prey, which fades as they reach maturity.