How to Identify Copperheads in Texas

The Trans-Pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster)

• 1

  Note that the Trans-Pecos copperhead is primarily found in the western part of Texas and south into Mexico.

• 2

  Observe that the Trans-Pecos copperhead grows to a length of about 39 inches. Young Trans-Pecos copperheads are about 28 inches in length and look much like the adults. The primary differences are size and a green or yellow tip on their tails. Their venom is fully developed at birth.

• 3

  Consider that the Trans-Pecos copperheads have no hourglass shaped bands across their bodies like other copperheads do. Their bands are wide and vary in color from a reddish brown to a grayish brown depending on where the snakes are located. Their base color is usually light tan.

• 4

  Remember that the underside of the Trans-Pecos copperhead is different from other sub-species. The Trans-Pecos copperhead is the only sub-species with a black-and-white patterned underside. Other copperheads are generally white underneath.

The Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix)

• 5

  Observe that the Southern copperheads are smaller than the Trans-Pecos at only 26 inches on average. They are found throughout the eastern part of Texas.

• 6

  Remember that the Southern copperhead often has a pinkish hue or tint. It can also be colored light tan or even brown depending on geography. Babies have the same yellow tail tip as the Trans-Pecos, but often are a duller color than their adult counterparts.

• 7

  Recognize that Southern copperheads have hourglass shaped markings across their length. They are wide at the bottom of the snake and skinnier at the top. The underside of a Southern copperhead is often white or patterned with white markings.

• 8

  Notice that the Southern copperhead, like all copperhead species, are pit vipers. They have triangular shaped heads and two heat-sensing pits located between their noses and eyes. The pits make it possible for the snakes to hunt in the dark with accuracy and track their prey afterwards to consume.

Broad-banded Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus)

• 9

  Observe that the broad-banded copperhead is found in the upper half of Texas among upland woods and rivers. They love sandy areas but are equally at home in the forests among rocks, leaves or logs. Copperheads in general can also be found near homes as deforestation has taken a toll on their natural habitat.

• 10

  Remember that broad-banded copperheads are virtually identical to the other subspecies of copperheads, except that they have a white border around their bands and are often a deep reddish color. Like the Trans-Pecos copperhead, the broad-banded copperhead has no hourglass markings. Instead, the markings are wide and fairly uniform in shape.

• 11

  Note that the broad-banded copperhead's babies are slightly different from their counterparts in that they have a turquoise or gray/green-colored tail tip. The other species babies are usually bright green or yellow in color.