*** VENOMOUS ***

Venomous Snake Bite Information

Copperhead look-a-likes :: Cottonmouth look-a-likes

Common Name:
Northern Copperhead
Scientific Name:

Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen

 Etymology:
  Genus:
Agkistrodon is derived from the Greek word ancistron which means "fishhook". This is in reference to recurved fangs.
 Species:
contortrix is from the Latin word contortus which means "twisted" or "intricate" in reference to the dorsal pattern.
Subspecies:
mokasen is the Native American Algonquian word meaning "moccasin".
Vernacular Names:
Dumb rattlesnake, red adder, red eye, red snake, white oak snake, deaf snake, beech-leaf snake, chuck head, copper adder, copper-bell, deaf adder, hazel head, popular leaf snake, thunder snake, harlequin snake.
Average Length:
24-36 in. (61-90 cm)
Virginia Record Length:
48 in. (121.9 cm)
Record length:
53 in. (134.6 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

Arlington County Arlington County neonates with yellow tail tips Fairfax County Page County Patrick County Prince William County
Head Features Pulaski Co. Douthat State Park Bedford County Washington County An atypically colored/patterned copperhead from Russell County