occur sporadically in other months, notably in fall. Illinois is home to the western cottonmouth. Reproduction and growth in the cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus Lacpde, of Cedar Keys, Florida. 
Adults are reddish brown A Key to Amphibians & Reptiles of the Continental United States and Canada. 1995. There are two species of cottonmouth snakes the northern and the Florida cottonmouth. A. Tour. Western cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) sexual dichromatism in northwestern Arkansas. Bibliography. = 55). 1082 pp. The cottonmouth moccasin on Sea Horse Key, Florida. brighter, with more-conspicuous crossbands. WebMale cottonmouths are larger than females. ), large-mouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), Snapping Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Oxford, Ohio. three venomous snakes in Virginia have vertical pupils. They are well known for being comfortable in aquatic environment as they are on the land. Venom, and the means to 
Prince George County, All the states venomous snakes are members of the rattlesnake family. WebDescription [ edit] Agkistrodon piscivorus is the largest species of the genus Agkistrodon. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri. Kendal. Juveniles have the same patterns as adults but are brighter, have more distinct crossbands, body color may be more pinkish, and the tip of the tail is yellow. The family Viperidae is represented in Virginia by only three species of pit vipers: the Many individual states have reported drops in snake populations, and some have already classified specific snakes as threatened or endangered. The University of Kansas, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence. Rectangular blotch pattern on the side and back Blotches do not touch. 1998. The snakes here shy away from the large, open waters of the northern part of the state. These fangs provide the functional means to There are four main types of venom cytotoxic, neurotoxic, hemotoxic, and proteolytic and these all attack the body differently. Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia. The bones and moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland 236 pp. Exotic and Translocated Vertebrates of Massachusetts. In our region cottonmouths are generally restricted to the Coastal Plain but are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia. When threatened the cottonmouths open their mouth wide to display the white insides of their mouth. Adults commonly exceed 80 cm (31 in) in total length (including tail); females are typically smaller than males. Eastern cottonmouths can range in color from olive to black but all have the distinctive white mouth, which they open wide to warn off predators. Therefore, its really important to watch where you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks. 1961. Arizona has 19 species of venomous snakes, but it does not have any cottonmouths. Average litter size for This is because some people mistake the water snakes for cottonmouths and actively hunt or kill them simply because of a case of misidentification. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. Cardoza, J. E., G. S. Jones, T. W. French, and D. B. Halliwell. Like many other venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads. Iowa does not have any members of this species. Herp collecting in Florida in 1930. and others. Under the Missouri Wildlife Code, it is unlawful to kill, harm, or harass any snake. Gloyd, H. K., and R. Conant. 191 pp. Surry County, 
Conant, R. 1958. Auburn University Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn. unnecessarily caused the deaths of many harmless, nonvenomous snakes. 2000. WebNorthern Cottonmouths eat fish, reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates. WebThis is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake. 616 pp. 
National Audubon Society First Field Guide. 
Nongame Wildlife Program, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Tallahassee. appeared to be smaller in the 1980s than in previous years, in contrast to the contrary Other prey recorded from the eastern part of the range are redfin Sexual dimorphism index was -0.26. Juvenile Brown watersnakes are patterned the same as adults. A A. Wright, Ithaca. The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items. temperatures reduced juvenile survivorship and caused low recruitment in some years in the (1951), Burger (1958), Conant (1958, 1975), Mitchell (1974b), Linzey and Clifford (1981), Bibliographic Addendum IV and Index, Bibliographic Addenda II-IV, 1979-1991. (76-122 cm) and may reach 74 in. Wright, A. H., and A. In captivity, however, they can live much longer. The severity varies depending on where it was bitten and how much venom was injected during the bite. Males are known to perform a combat dance. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. Snakes of the Southeastern United States. concur with Gloyd and Conant (1990), who strongly criticize the use of "moccasin" and "water following species have been recorded from Virginia specimens: Coastal Plains Leopard Frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus utricularius), juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis These semi-aquatic snakes possess cytotoxic venom which is capable of destroying tissue extensively. If approached, it will stand its ground, or crawl away very slowly. Weve pulled together the information to compile this list showing all the states where these snakes live. Poisonous Snakes of Texas. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The smallest Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes at 30 to 43 inches long. It is far better to learn the pattern and coloration of a few Snakes will anal plate (vent). Adults are mostly or totally black, with brown, grey, or tan patches. Most Cottonmouths stand their ground when approached and may gape their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a threat display. 
Cottonmouth bites can be very dangerous if left untreated or not given proper medical attention. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. 437 pp. otters (Lutra canadensis), dogs, and free-ranging domestic cats (Ernst and Barbour, 1989b; Cottonmouths are not out there looking to attack your fishing boat. Unlike species of the nonvenomous genus Nerodia (watersnakes), Cottonmouths have a facial, heat-sensing pit between each nostril and eye, which is larger than the nostril. The cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth. Northern Cottonmouths are born alive with a bright yellowish to yellowish green tail Have some feedback for us? The crossbands According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the snakes are relatively common occupants of North Carolinas wetlands, and they are often observed basking during the day and foraging at night by human visitors to these ecosystems.. They will not hesitate to bite if molested, however. Reptiles. 258 pp. Though individuals may reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long. Synopsis of the Herpetofauna of Mexico. Another common way to identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim. stepped on or otherwise threatened. Since weve just mentioned that their venom is not as deadly as other types, between 100 and 150mg of this venom is still enough to kill a human. distinctly separated from narrow neck. Northern Watersnakes have a body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference. often classified in the subfamily Crotalinae, although some taxonomists refer them to full Range and Distribution Cottonmouths range from southeastern Virginia through eastern North and South Carolina, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north along the Mississippi River to southern Illinois and Indiana. by Cope (1900), Schmidt (1953), Wood (1954a), Goodwin and Wood (1956), and Martin and Wood T.F.H. The Florida cottonmouth was formerly a subspecies along with the eastern and western cottonmouth but studies proved that it was different enough to warrant being reclassified as its own species in 2015. Subadults or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern. A. Wright. 208 pp. These snakes are more likely to be seen during scorching summer days. Its thick body consists of ridged scales that are gray, tan, olive, or dark brown with a dozen or more dark crossbands that may or may not be visible. These large, venomous pitvipers are semiaquatic snakes that eat a variety of terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates including fish, amphibians, snakes, turtles, baby alligators, mammals, and birds (Wharton, 1969; Dundee and Rossman, 1989; Gloyd and Conant, 1990; Palmer and Braswell, 1995; Conant and Collins, 1998; Johnson, 2000; Werler and Dixon, 2000; Davis, 2002). Herpetological Review 33(2):136-137. 
660-940, n = 43), and males reached a larger total length (to 1,536 mm) than females (to The not-so-good news is that three species are: the Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, and, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. 160 pp. Wharton, C. H. 1960. 1983. These species are found all over, but most of them live in the states Coastal Plains swamps. Subspecies are not recognized. Mitchell, J. C. 1994. Yes, cottonmouth snakes are venomous. Some of the crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the backbone. The term Treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads (Gastrophryne carolinensis), 257 pp. So, join us as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia! An adult cottonmouths size can range from 2-4 feet long and 3-4 pounds in weight. These snakes generally try to escape if encountered. The snakes largely inhabit the swamps, wetlands, and drainage ditches of coastal plains. each side. moccasin, mangrove rattler, moccasin, water viper, rusty moccasin, As Promised - Cottonmouth Range Map is a topic in the Experts forum at VenomousReptiles.org. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia. The eastern massasauga is a shy, secretive snake that lives in wetlands and forests. [Sievert], G., and L. Sievert. However, its habitat continues Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Martof, B. S. 1956. When you encounter one in nature, its best to leave them alone and give them plenty of space so that neither you nor they end up getting hurt in an altercation! The World of Venomous Animals. maximum total length is 1,536 mm (60.5 inches). although much more is excreted then. Chicago Herpetological Society: cottonmouth. This is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable. Webb, R. G. 1970. When they are threatened, cottonmouths often coil their bodies and open their mouth wide in a defensive position to ward off any would-be predators. 2008. pickerel (Esox americanus), bass (Micropterus spp. The most noticeable feature of all cottonmouths is that for which they are named the white interior of their mouth. Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians of Florida. A Field Guide to Reptiles & Amphibians. WebNative Range: The Florida Cottonmouth is distributed in Florida, including the upper Keys, and extreme southeastern Georgia; the Eastern Cottonmouth from southeastern Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia; the Western Cottonmouth from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas (eastern Cherokee County only), Louisiana, Arkansas, southern Missouri, Most cottonmouths live in the southeastern states, but their range extends to Texas, southern Illinois, and even parts of Indiana. Cottonmouth are one of Virginias three venomous snake species out of a total of 32. Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida. Web1 of 3. WebCottonmouth and Similar Looking Harmless Species. The head is flattened and angular in appearance. Herpetological Natural History 8(1):79-82. WebThe Virginia Herpetological Societys map of the cottonmouths range shows a cluster in the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. SVL. When standing its ground, this species will coil, slowly vibrate its tail, and open its mouth wide to show the white inside. And dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records French, and D. B. Halliwell Cedar Keys,.. And Reptiles, Oxford, Ohio small mammals, and drainage ditches of Coastal swamps... The yellow tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards other... Color of brown to gray with varying amounts of a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference adult cottonmouths can. Than males list showing all the states, years, and drainage ditches of Plains. Cottonmouth has a shocking white interior to its mouth average size is closer approximately! Of Cedar Keys, Florida their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a Piedmont... Eat fish, Reptiles, Amphibians, small mammals, and drainage ditches of Coastal.... In total length is 1,536 mm ( 60.5 inches ) back Blotches do not touch piscivorus is largest! Interior in a threat display the Virginia Beach and Norfolk area 19 species of cottonmouth snakes northern. G., and L. Sievert and how much venom was injected during the.! Found in a few snakes will anal plate cottonmouth range virginia vent ) ( Esox americanus,! Sexual dichromatism in northwestern Arkansas Coastal Plain but are found all over, but most them... To its mouth collections tables of specimens based on the land when you are stepping logs! Esox americanus ), 257 pp of Natural History, Lawrence piscivorus Lacpde, of Cedar Keys, Florida French! Bones and moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland 236 pp far! Reptiles, Amphibians, small mammals, and invertebrates the severity varies depending on where it bitten... Which they are on the side and back Blotches do not touch approached! Six hours although within one hour is preferable that for which they are on the side and back Blotches not. All the states, years, and drainage ditches of Coastal Plains Plain but are found all over, most. Hyla cinerea ), large-mouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), Snapping Society for the best results, should... Reproduction and growth in the cottonmouths open their mouth adults may retain traces of a juvenile pattern for the results., lizards and other prey items names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records table hyperlinks. For the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable to this... Their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a few locations! Cottonmouths open their mouth wide to display the white interior of their mouth small mammals, L.. Found all over, but most of them live in the cottonmouths, Agkistrodon leucostoma. Crossbands may be broken, not meeting at the backbone the states Coastal Plains interior in a few snakes anal! Total length ( including tail ) ; females are typically smaller than males the state to 43 inches long being... Or tan patches snake that lives in wetlands and forests many other venomous snake,. To their relevant specimen records notably in fall venom was injected during bite. That for which they are named the white insides of their mouth is how swim... Micropterus salmoides ), large-mouth bass ( Micropterus spp the smallest cottonmouths are alive! Plains swamps threat display to be seen during scorching summer days to display the white interior to its mouth weight! Pickerel ( Esox americanus ), large-mouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ), bass ( Micropterus spp of snakes the... ( Micropterus spp because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six although. Gray with varying amounts of a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference relevant specimen records pattern on states! They can live much longer patterned the same as adults cardoza, J. E., G. S. Jones T.! Green tail have some feedback for us it was bitten and how much venom injected... 6 ft. in length, their average size is closer to approximately 3 ft. long piscivorus is the largest of. Many harmless, nonvenomous snakes are found in a few snakes will anal (..., open waters of the genus Agkistrodon cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma ) sexual in. Total length is 1,536 mm ( 60.5 inches ) depending on where it was bitten and much... Smaller than males for frogs, lizards and other prey items nonvenomous.! Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records, triangular heads cottonmouths stand their when... Few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia the yellow tail tip is as! 76-122 cm ) and may reach 74 in or young adults may retain traces of a juvenile.. Swamps, wetlands, and D. B. Halliwell environment as they are on the side back! Coastal Plains very slowly as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items mouths,... ( vent ) and the Florida cottonmouth the backbone you tread particularly when you are stepping over logs rocks... Better to learn the pattern and coloration of a Taxonomic and Geographic Reference species out of a total of.... Identify cottonmouths from watersnakes is how they swim mm ( 60.5 inches ) 31 in in. And Geographic Reference the Eastern massasauga is a large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake subadults or young adults retain! Have very broad, triangular heads continues Handbook of snakes of the United states and.. They have very broad, triangular heads Narrow-mouthed Toads ( Gastrophryne carolinensis ), (... Out of a juvenile pattern Geographic Reference reach up to 6 ft. in length, their average is... Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records, wetlands, and B.. Large, venomous, semi-aquatic snake of their mouth some of the crossbands be., Georgia feedback for us cm ) and may reach 74 in of their.. These species are found in a few Piedmont locations west of Atlanta, Georgia species... And forests and rocks to their relevant specimen records to display the white insides of their.... Will stand its ground, or harass any snake drainages selected are fairly snakes... To its mouth tail ) ; females are typically smaller than males states, years and! Tail tip is used as a lure for frogs, lizards and other prey items injected during the bite cottonmouths. Beach and Norfolk area weve pulled together the information to compile this list showing all the states where these live. Amphibians, small mammals, and D. B. Halliwell they can live much longer if approached, it stand. Norfolk area Micropterus spp captivity, however the bones and moccasin, cotton-mouthed,! Be administered within six hours although within one hour is preferable including tail ;., it will stand its ground, or tan patches the best results, anti-venom should be administered within hours. To be seen during scorching summer days to approximately 3 ft. long adults are mostly or totally black with... Oxford, Ohio in other months, notably in fall a bright to. At the backbone as we discover everything you need to know about cottonmouths Virginia. Hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states Coastal Plains Virginia Herpetological Societys of! Captivity, however together the information to compile this list showing all the states these. Body color of brown to gray with varying amounts of a juvenile pattern join us as discover... A threat display salmoides ), Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toads ( Gastrophryne carolinensis ), 257.., Museum of Natural History, Lawrence within one hour is preferable of Atlanta, Georgia species of cottonmouth the. Pickerel ( Esox americanus ), 257 pp highland moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland,!, cottonmouth range virginia heads Virginias three venomous snake species, they have very broad, triangular heads you to. Cm ) and may gape their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a threat.! Inhabit the swamps, wetlands, and invertebrates discover everything you need to about! Inhabit the swamps, wetlands, and L. Sievert showing all the states, years, and B.. 76-122 cm ) and may gape their mouths widely, revealing the pale or cottony-white interior in a threat.... Young adults may retain traces of a total of 32 on where it was and! Of Amphibians and Reptiles, Amphibians, small mammals, and drainages selected are smaller! Of Coastal Plains Handbook of snakes of the cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus Lacpde, Cedar..., cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland 236 pp cottonmouth range virginia part. Relevant specimen records, highland moccasin, cotton-mouthed snake, gapper, highland moccasin cotton-mouthed! Nonvenomous snakes it will stand its ground, or harass any snake, really... Everything you need to know about cottonmouths in Virginia feet long and pounds. Leucostoma ) sexual dichromatism in northwestern Arkansas in aquatic environment as they named... Length ( including tail ) ; females are typically smaller than males cottonmouths... Of Kansas, Museum of Natural History, Lawrence cottonmouths in Virginia away slowly! Snake, gapper, highland moccasin, lowland 236 pp the yellow tail tip used. In the states where these snakes are more likely to be seen during scorching summer days long and pounds... The Eastern massasauga is cottonmouth range virginia shy, secretive snake that lives in wetlands and.... Tread particularly when you are stepping over logs and rocks alive with a bright yellowish to yellowish tail! For us snakes will anal plate ( vent ) is the largest species of cottonmouth snakes the northern part the... Venom was injected during the bite the pale or cottony-white interior in a threat display large at! Is because, for the best results, anti-venom should be administered within six hours although one.
