Florida Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin
Agkistrodon conanti • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon conanti
Southeastern United States, primarily throughout the Florida peninsula and extending into southern Georgia and parts of adjacent coastal areas.
Look up Florida Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Agkistrodon, Species: Agkistrodon conanti
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution and adaptability to various wetland habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and direct human persecution.
Physical Description
The visible portion shows dark, heavily keeled scales forming a thick, robust body. The coloration is dark brown to nearly black, partially obscuring the underlying dark crossband pattern. The head area visible on the right shows a pale labial stripe.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length ranges from 75 to 120 cm (30 to 48 inches), with maximum recorded lengths exceeding 150 cm. This appears to be a robust adult individual.
Habitat
Found near semi-aquatic habitats such as swamps, streams, marshes, lakes, ditches, and sluggish rivers. They prefer lowland areas with dense vegetation, cypress swamps, or slow-moving water.
Diet & Feeding
Diet consists of fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals, and birds. They are opportunistic ambush predators that often wait near the water's edge for prey to pass.
Reproduction
Viviparous (live-bearing), giving birth to litters typically ranging from 5 to 20 young during late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to their wide distribution and adaptability to various wetland habitats, though local populations face threats from habitat loss and direct human persecution.
Cultural Significance
Deeply ingrained in the folklore of the American Southeast.
Notable Features
Features heavily keeled scales giving a rough texture, a stocky build, and the ability to vibrate the tail rapidly when disturbed as a warning mechanism.