Northern Copperhead

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

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
Northern Copperhead - By: Wayne Fidler Northern Copperhead - By: Wayne Fidler Northern Copperhead - By: Wayne Fidler
Northern Copperhead - By: Bob Bull Northern Copperhead - By: Bob Bull

Range Map:
Northern Copperhead 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