Scientific Name: Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen
Size: 24-36 inches (61-90 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern
PAHERP Resource: Copperheads Mistaken Identity

Habitat Type:
Deciduous forest, open fields and clearings (ofter near streams, but water is not a habitat requirement), rock crops, rock ledges, open habitat with rock and vegetation.
May be found under large logs, rocks, around brush piles rock crevices or slides.

Colorations:
Adults:

• The dorsal background is pinkish brown, light tan to greyish brown.
• The dorsal has wide brown to reddish brown bands that become darker towards the margin.
• The bands are saddle shaped (hourglass) that are broader along the sides and become narrower across the dorsum.
• Small dark spots are present inside the light area between the bands.
• The bands continue to the tail.
• Dorsal scales may have black flecks
• The ventral is cream to light brown with dark lateral blotches along the margin of the ventrals.
• The head is unpatterned with a reddish brown to bright coppery dorsal, and the lower half is usually lighter in color.
• The tail is yellow, green, or brown.

Juveniles:

• Similar to adults but with a bright green to sulfur yellow tail.
• Lack the black flecks on dorsal scales.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized, heavy bodied species.
• The head is large, flat and triangular in shape.
• The head is distinct and set off from the body by a narrow neck.
• Pupils are vertically elliptical.
• The dorsal scales are keeled.

Scale Counts:

• 31 or 23 scale rows at midbody.
• 23 or 25 scale rows at anterior.
• 19 or 21 scale rows at posterior.
• 138-157 ventral scales
• 37-63 subcaudals scales | Single row of subcaudals
• 2 nasal scales
• 1 loreal scale
• 2-3 preocular scales
• 2-3 subocular scales
• 3-4 postoculars scales
• several temporal scales
• 8 supralabials
• 10 infralabials
• Anal plate is undivided

Confused with:

• Northern Water Snake
• Eastern Milk Snake

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 346-350pp.
• Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. 473-480pp.

Photo Credits:

• Wayne Fidler
• Bob Bull
• Matt Nordgren
• Bob Ferguson