Agkistrodon

Agkistrodon bilineatus 1701 (cropped)

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Agkistrodon-bilineatus range-map

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Agkistrodon bilineatus 2

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Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) - Flickr - 2ndPeter (1)

Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus

Agkistrodon is a genus of venomous pit vipers found in North America and Asia. This genus includes species commonly known as copperheads, cottonmouths, and cantils. Members of this genus are characterized by a broad, triangular head, heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and nostrils, and elliptical pupils. They are capable of delivering a potent hemotoxic venom that affects the blood and tissues of their prey, which primarily consists of small mammals, birds, and amphibians.

Description

Agkistrodon species vary in size and coloration but share common physical traits that define them as pit vipers. They have stout bodies, keeled scales, and a distinctive pit located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. This pit is a sensory organ that allows the snake to detect warm-blooded prey, even in darkness. The color patterns of these snakes are often cryptic, helping them to blend into their surroundings and ambush prey.

Distribution and Habitat

The range of the Agkistrodon genus spans from the southern United States down into Central America and across to eastern Asia. Each species within the genus has its own specific range and preferred habitat. For example, the Agkistrodon contortrix (copperhead) is widely distributed across the eastern United States, whereas the Agkistrodon piscivorus (cottonmouth) is found in the southeastern United States, particularly in wetland areas. Asian species, such as Agkistrodon halys, are found in a variety of habitats ranging from forests to mountainous regions.

Behavior

Agkistrodon species are primarily terrestrial but some, like the cottonmouth, are also semi-aquatic. These snakes are known for their defensive behavior when threatened. They may display a warning by vibrating their tails, and if the threat persists, they can deliver a painful and potentially dangerous bite. Despite their venomous nature, they play a crucial role in controlling the populations of their prey, thus maintaining the balance within their ecosystems.

Venom

The venom of Agkistrodon species is primarily hemotoxic, causing damage to blood cells and tissues, which can lead to significant swelling, necrosis, and disruption of blood clotting. The severity of a bite can vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount of venom injected, the size and health of the victim, and the location of the bite. While fatalities are rare, bites from these snakes should be treated as medical emergencies.

Conservation

The conservation status of Agkistrodon species varies. While some species are common and not currently at risk, habitat destruction and human encroachment pose threats to their populations. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.

See Also

• Pit viper
• Venomous snake
• Snakebite