Agkistrodon piscivorus

Agkistrodon piscivorus is a venomous snake, a species in the subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers). The species is native to the southeastern United States. It is the world's only semiaquatic viper, and is often found near or in water, particularly in slow-moving and shallow lakes, streams, and marshes. The snake is a strong swimmer and will even enter the sea. It has successfully colonized islands off both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

The common names for this species include water moccasin, swamp moccasin, black moccasin, and cottonmouth. The name "cottonmouth" comes from the white coloration of the inside of the snake's mouth.

Description

Adults of Agkistrodon piscivorus are large and robust. They can reach a length of over 180 cm, but the average size is considerably smaller. The color pattern consists of a brown, gray, tan, yellowish-olive or blackish ground color, which becomes darker towards the tail.

Behavior

Agkistrodon piscivorus is primarily nocturnal, and in the daytime it can be found basking in sunlight or coiled in the shade. The snake is known for its threat display, where it coils its body and opens its mouth wide to expose the white interior, hence the name "cottonmouth".

Venom

The venom of Agkistrodon piscivorus is a potent hemotoxin that breaks down blood cells, preventing the blood from coagulating or clotting. In severe cases, the venom can cause a temporary and/or permanent tissue and muscle damage; loss of an extremity, depending on the location of the bite, is possible.

Habitat and Diet

Agkistrodon piscivorus is found in the southeastern United States. It is semiaquatic, so it is often found near water. Its diet consists mainly of fish and frogs but is otherwise highly varied and, uniquely, has even been reported to include carrion.

Reproduction

Agkistrodon piscivorus is ovoviviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. In the late summer or early fall, the female gives birth to 1-16 young that are 22-35 cm in length.

Conservation Status

The species Agkistrodon piscivorus is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for a more threatened category.

See Also

• List of crotaline species and subspecies
• Snakebite