Agkistrodon piscivorus

(Lacépède, 1789)

Vernacular names
English : Common cottonmouth
French : Mocassin d’eau

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known. Former subspecies leucostoma considered a synonym of nominate.

Identification
The largest species of its genus with a heavy body reaching up to 1.80 meter in length for a weight of 4 kg. Large broad head. Coloration mostly black with faint yellow transversal bands. Some specimens are browner with well defined bands.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in most of south-east and south-central USA to Mexican border, eastwards to Virginia and north Florida. Mostly found shallow waters of creeks, rivers, marshes, swamps and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species still occurs in large numbers and can be found in protected areas. Local declines have been documented because of habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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