Copperhead snakes, a type of venomous pit viper found across eastern North America, are frequently encountered in various habitats. Accurately identifying these snakes is important for safety, given their presence in many areas. Understanding their distinctive coloration and other physical attributes can help differentiate them from non-venomous species.
Distinctive Color and Pattern
Adult copperhead snakes display a base color ranging from a pale tan or pinkish-tan to light brown or reddish-brown. This background coloration is overlaid with a series of darker crossbands that are described as hourglass-shaped, resembling the classic Hershey’s Kiss candy. These bands are dark brown or reddish-brown and are wider on the sides of the snake’s body, narrowing significantly towards the spine.
This specific pattern creates a striking contrast with the lighter background color. The hourglass shape is a distinguishing feature, as copperheads are the only snake species with this particular pattern. This coloration and pattern provide effective camouflage, allowing the snakes to blend with leaf litter and other natural surroundings. This enables them to remain hidden from both predators and unsuspecting prey.
Color Variations and Juvenile Appearance
Copperhead coloration can exhibit variation depending on factors like geographic location and individual differences. For instance, snakes from southeastern Virginia might have brown to dark-tan crossbands on a light-tan to pinkish background, while those from the Piedmont region may show dark-brown or chestnut bands on a reddish-brown to grayish-brown body. The overall hue can also appear different based on lighting conditions or during shedding cycles.
Juvenile copperheads, while sharing the adult’s general pattern, present a brighter and more distinct appearance. A feature of young copperheads is their brightly colored tail tip, which is sulfur yellow or greenish-yellow. This vivid tail coloration fades to a darker brown or black as the snake matures, by three or four years of age. Young copperheads use this vibrant tail tip as a lure, wiggling it to attract small prey like lizards and frogs, a behavior known as caudal luring.
Key Identifying Features Beyond Color
While color and pattern are important, other physical characteristics aid in identifying copperhead snakes, especially when visual conditions are not ideal. Copperheads possess a broad, triangular-shaped head that is distinct from their narrower neck. This “arrowhead” shape is due to the presence of venom glands located behind their eyes.
Their eyes feature vertical, elliptical pupils, resembling a cat’s eye. This characteristic is common among many venomous snakes in North America, with the exception of the coral snake. Another distinguishing trait is the presence of heat-sensing pits, which are small openings located on each side of the head, between the eye and the nostril. These pit organs allow copperheads to detect infrared radiation, or heat, emitted by warm-blooded prey, enabling them to hunt effectively even in darkness. Copperheads also have a stout and heavy body build. Combining these features provides a more comprehensive approach to accurate identification.