Details - Public Health Image Library(PHIL)

ID#:

10850

Caption:

This photograph depicted a juvenile, venomous, southern copperhead snake, Agkistrodon contortrix, found nestled in a Decatur, Georgia basement. The adult A. contortrix pit viper grows to a length 50cm to 95cm, and is pictured in PHIL 8130 and 10841. This particular view includes all body regions of this specimen, encompassing the yellow distal tail, which disappears when the snake reaches adulthood, as well as the triangular-shaped head. Also, you’ll note the scalar coloration, consisting of a beige base color, traversed by dark-brown cross bands along its entire length, except for its head and yellow juvenile tail. The name pit viper is derived from the fact that these snakes possess two heat-sensing organs situated inside a pit on either side of its head between each ipsilateral eye and nostril, both of which are visible on the right side of this snake’s head from this dorsal perspective.

High Resolution:

Click here for hi-resolution image (30.39 MB)

Content Provider(s):

CDC/ James Gathany

Creation Date:

2008

Photo Credit:

James Gathany

Links:

Categories:

CDC Organization