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Broad-banded Copperhead

Agkistrodon laticinctus

The Broad-banded Copperhead is a snake with beautiful patterns on its skin. It has a wide, banded appearance that helps it blend into the forest floor, making it a special part of nature.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Broad-banded Copperhead is a medium-sized venomous snake, featuring striking hourglass-shaped bands that are broad and dark reddish-brown against a lighter copper or tan background. Its head is distinctly copper-colored, making it visually distinct from many other snakes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyViperidaeGenusAgkistrodon
Broad-banded Copperhead
Photo: Meghan CassidyCC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗
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Broad-banded Copperhead

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

6

Interesting facts

Baby copperheads have a bright yellow tail tip, which they wiggle to lure prey!

Copperheads get their name from the reddish-brown color of their head.

These snakes are born live, not from eggs laid in a nest.

They are often found near streams and rocky areas, or under logs.

Special abilities

Ability

Thermal Vision

Broad-banded Copperhead can 'see' heat using special pit organs, which helps them hunt warm-blooded prey in the dark.

Ability

Perfect Camouflage

Broad-banded Copperhead has a unique banded pattern that helps them blend seamlessly into leaf litter and forest floors.

Ability

Warning Wiggle

Broad-banded Copperhead can rapidly vibrate its tail when threatened, warning predators to stay away.

Ability

Venomous Bite

Broad-banded Copperhead can inject mild venom, which helps them overpower small prey quickly.

Measurements & details

Length
60-90 cm
Weight
0.1-0.3 kg
Lifespan
15-20 years
Speed
5 km/h
Clutch Size
3-10

Diet & Feeding

These snakes are carnivores, mostly eating small rodents and frogs.

Primary Foods

  • mice
  • voles
  • frogs
  • lizards
  • small birds
  • insects

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

If you see a snake, it's best to stay calm and walk away. Snakes like to be left alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Broad-banded Copperhead?

Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How long is Broad-banded Copperhead?

60-90 cm

How much does Broad-banded Copperhead weigh?

0.1-0.3 kg

How long does Broad-banded Copperhead live?

15-20 years

How fast can Broad-banded Copperhead move?

5 km/h

What does Broad-banded Copperhead eat?

These snakes are carnivores, mostly eating small rodents and frogs.

Where is Broad-banded Copperhead usually found?

Forests

How does Broad-banded Copperhead hunt?

Ambush

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