Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The southern copperhead is a venomous North American pit viper. Brown crossbands and a copper-toned head help it blend into fallen leaves.

Southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix), photographed for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Southern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix), photographed for the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

At a glance

Location
Southern copperheads occupy woodland in the southeastern United States, including damp lowland forest. Rocks, fallen timber and other sheltered places provide cover. The cited account treats copperheads more broadly than the subspecies named on this page.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Wetlands
Diet
Carnivore
Food
Adults eat small mammals and other available prey; younger snakes also take amphibians, lizards and insects. Camouflage allows a snake to wait for passing food. Activity shifts toward cooler evening hours in hot weather.

Classification

Common name
Copperhead
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix
Taxon rank
subspecies
Family
Viperidae
Genus
Agkistrodon
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a pit viper.
  • Young snakes have a yellowish tail tip.
  • Adults often hunt by ambush.

Habitat and range

Southern copperheads occupy woodland in the southeastern United States, including damp lowland forest. Rocks, fallen timber and other sheltered places provide cover. The cited account treats copperheads more broadly than the subspecies named on this page.

Appearance and adaptations

A heavy body carries reddish-brown crossbands, and the head is copper-brown. Heat-sensitive facial pits help detect warm prey. Young copperheads have a yellowish tail tip that can serve as a lure.

Diet and behaviour

Adults eat small mammals and other available prey; younger snakes also take amphibians, lizards and insects. Camouflage allows a snake to wait for passing food. Activity shifts toward cooler evening hours in hot weather.

Sources

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