Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: A. contortrix
Endemic to 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 localized threats include habitat destruction, road mortality, and intentional persecution.
Physical Description
Features a distinct hourglass or dumbbell-shaped crossband pattern of rich chestnut-brown or reddish-brown markings over a lighter tan, pinkish, or light brown background. The head is broad, triangular, and distinctively coppery-red or pale brown without prominent markings. Scales are keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is approximately 60 to 90 cm. Typical adult size ranges from 50 to 95 cm, with maximum recorded lengths reaching up to 135 cm.
Habitat
Inhabits deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, rocky hillsides, swampland edges, and rural or suburban areas near forested patches. They prefer microhabitats with abundant cover such as fallen logs, rock outcroppings, and leaf litter.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily carnivorous, feeding on small rodents, lizards, small birds, amphibians, and large insects such as cicadas. They are sit-and-wait ambush predators that rely heavily on camouflage.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing), producing litters ranging from 1 to 21 young (average 4 to 7). Mating typically occurs in late summer or autumn, and young are born in late summer of the following year.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though localized threats include habitat destruction, road mortality, and intentional persecution.
Cultural Significance
Plays a vital ecological role in regulating small mammal and insect populations within its natural range. Encounters with humans often lead to fear and unnecessary killing due to its camouflage.
Notable Features
Features distinct heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head, used for detecting warm-blooded prey in low light conditions.