Eastern Copperhead

Venomous!!

Other Names: Osage Copperhead
Scientific Name: Agkistrodon contortrix
Family: Crotalidae

Description & Size

  • Legless
  • No eyelids
  • Lacks external ears
  • Scales on the back have low ridge in the middle (weakly keeled)
  • Pit on each side of the head between the nostril and eye
  • Vertical elliptical pupils
  • Total length: 55.9-102.0 cm (22.0-40.2 in)
  • Back color: light brown, reddish-tan, or gray
  • Banded pattern (darker than back color)
  • Belly color: reddish-gray
Eastern Copperhead - Venomous

Habitat

  • Hilly, wooded areas
  • Rocky outcrops
  • Open grasslands
  • Agricultural fields

Diet

  • Small mammals
  • Amphibians
  • Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Insects

Range Map

Life History

  • Diurnal and nocturnal
  • Active season: early April – late October
  • Breeding season: August – early September
  • Gives live birth
  • 3-7 young per female (Seigel and Fitch, 1985)