Bookmarkable URL:http://hdl.handle.net/10217/53692
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Family:Croalidae
Genus:Agkistrodon
Genus species:Agkistrodon piscivorus
Southeastern North America Date:1965-05 Subjects:herptile
Water moccasin
Cottonmouth
snake
reptile
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Agkistrodon
Pit vipers
Viperidae
Snakes
Squamata
Reptiles
Vertebrates
Chordata
Scientific Classification
Kingdom:AnimaliaPhylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Family:Croalidae
Genus:Agkistrodon
Genus species:Agkistrodon piscivorus
Animal Characteristics
Head-Body Length:50-190 cm
Identification:The colors of the water moccasin include brown, olive, and black. The underside is yellow, and the body has cross bands that encircle the entire body. The inner surface of the mouth is white.
Habitat:Marshes, streams, lakes, swamps
Diet:Carnivore: amphibians, fish, snakes, birds, carrion
Reproduction:Adults breed every other year. This is a live-bearing species, with litter sizes of up to 15 young.
Social Structure:The cottonmouth has an aggregation social structure because they are often found sunning themselves in the same area. Several individuals will also share the same area for hibernation.
Behavior:Water moccasins are extremely dangerous. When threatened, they will stand their ground or even approach the attacker.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:This is the only species of poisonous water snake in North America. The venom is hemolytic, meaning that it destroys red blood cells and causes blood to coagulate around the bite site. Water moccasin venom is often used to medically treat hemorrhagic conditions.
Identification:The colors of the water moccasin include brown, olive, and black. The underside is yellow, and the body has cross bands that encircle the entire body. The inner surface of the mouth is white.
Habitat:Marshes, streams, lakes, swamps
Diet:Carnivore: amphibians, fish, snakes, birds, carrion
Reproduction:Adults breed every other year. This is a live-bearing species, with litter sizes of up to 15 young.
Social Structure:The cottonmouth has an aggregation social structure because they are often found sunning themselves in the same area. Several individuals will also share the same area for hibernation.
Behavior:Water moccasins are extremely dangerous. When threatened, they will stand their ground or even approach the attacker.
Status:No special status
Interesting Facts:This is the only species of poisonous water snake in North America. The venom is hemolytic, meaning that it destroys red blood cells and causes blood to coagulate around the bite site. Water moccasin venom is often used to medically treat hemorrhagic conditions.
Other Information
Geographic:Southern North AmericaSoutheastern North America Date:1965-05 Subjects:herptile
Water moccasin
Cottonmouth
snake
reptile
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Agkistrodon
Pit vipers
Viperidae
Snakes
Squamata
Reptiles
Vertebrates
Chordata