Description ⁵

VENOMOUS. Keeled scales, broad head on a narrow neck, and vertical slit pupils. Stocky tan body with dark brown crossbands in an hourglass shape, appear triangular from the side. The crossbands fade to a lighter shade of brown in the center and darker on the edges. Generally 24 to 36 inches (61-91cm). (J. R. Dixon and J. E. Werler, Texas Snakes: A Field Guide, University of Texas Press, 2000.)

IDENTIFICATION NOTES: Pattern may resemble Hershey's kisses from the side, head has an angular shape with a ridge above the eyes. Individuals may be very well-camouflaged and difficult to distinguish among dried leaves on a forest floor.

Sources and Credits

1. (c) Amber Leung, all rights reserved
2. (c) Benjamin German, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Benjamin German
3. Public Health Image Library, no known copyright restrictions (public domain), https://phil.cdc.gov/PHIL_Images/10850/10850_lores.jpg
4. (c) Clinton & Charles Robertson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Agkistrodon_contortrix_(1).jpg
5. (c) Amber Leung, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

More Info

• iNat taxon page
• Animal Diversity Web
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• BOLD Systems BIN search
• Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
• HerpMapper
• Maryland Biodiversity Project
• NatureServe Explorer 2.0
• Snake Database
• The Reptile Database
• VertNet

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