I. No rattle or button on end of tail.
1. Color pink-brown to red-brown with 10-20 light-edged crossbands
on body, narrow on top and wider at lower side. Dark spot
coinciding with and between each crossband at lower edge of
side. Top of head copper-colored--COPPERHEAD, (page 7).
2. Always in vicinity of water. Pattern generally obscured by dark
grey or black. If pattern is obvious, crossbands not narrow on
mid-back and top of head not copper-colored (Note: extremely
restricted range in Kansas)--COTTONMOUTH (page 7).
II. End of tail provided with a button or rattles.
1. Top of head provided with paired plates, (see diagram), dark
colored, small size, MASSASAUGA (page 10).
2. Top of head covered with numerous small scales; no paired plates.
(a) tail pattern alternating black and chalk white bands--WESTERN
DIAMOND-BACK RATTLER (page 10).
(b) tail pattern same as rest of body--PRAIRIE RATTLER (page 11).
(c) tail entirely velvety black--TIMBER RATTLER (page 11).
[Illustration: TAIL TIPS]
TAIL TIPS
NONE
BUTTON
RATTLE
HEAD
MASSASAUGA
OTHER RATTLERS
TAILS OF RATTLERS
WESTERN DIAMOND-BACK
TIMBER
PRAIRIE
COPPERHEAD (_Agkistrodon contortrix_). Length usually 2-3 feet. Common
where it occurs, the copperhead is probably the most abundant poisonous
snake in eastern Kansas. It is most frequently found in the vicinity of
rocky ledges in oak-hickory-walnut woods, but it ranges widely, so that
individuals may be found in almost any habitat during summer months.
Although generally nocturnal during most of its active season, its habit
of lying in the open during the daytime among dried leaves in patches of
sunlight and shadow causes the pattern to blend perfectly with the
background. Any hiker through this habitat should be alert. Because of
the rather small size, usually inoffensive disposition, and the low
toxicity of its venom this snake should be placed on the non-fatal list
for adults. Elderly persons, those in poor health, or small children
could find the copperhead bite fatal, however.
[Illustration: Map]
A subspecies of the copperhead occurs along the southern border of
Kansas. In this form, the crossbands are wider along the mid-line than
the more northern variety.
Young copperheads have a sulfur-yellow tail. This color is lost as the
snake matures. It is thought that this contrasting tail color is used as
a lure to bring prey within striking distance of the small snake. The
young are born in August or September. There may be from two to ten in a
litter.
COTTONMOUTH (_Agkistrodon piscivorus_). Length 3-4 feet. The poisonous
water moccasin has been taken only once in Kansas. This was on the
Neosho River in Labette County at the Cherokee County line. It is on the
basis of this single specimen that it is counted as one of the snakes of
Kansas! The many general reports of water moccasins in Kansas refer to
the mistaken identification of the harmless water snakes that are common
throughout most of the state (see page 12). Young cottonmonths are
patterned quite like a wide-banded copperhead, but the colors are not so
reddish. These snakes are always found in the vicinity of water. When
approached they quite often hold their ground and open their mouths
widely, revealing the white lining of the mouth, a habit which gives
them their common name. This heavy-bodied snake is dangerously poisonous
and, contrary to popular belief, can bite underwater.
[Illustration: Map]
Whereas the copperhead is a rather mild-mannered snake, the cottonmouth
has a vicious disposition. Although nocturnal, it likes to sun-bathe,
and it is frequently seen basking along shorelines, stretched out on low
branches or upon the bank. Where this snake occurs, it is usually
common.
Generally, eight or nine young are born in August or September, although
the number of young may range from five to fifteen. Like the copperhead,
the young have a yellow tail tip.
[Illustration: COPPERHEAD]
[Illustration: COTTONMOUTH]
[Illustration: MASSASAUGA]
[Illustration: WESTERN DIAMOND-BACK]
[Illustration: TIMBER RATTLER]
[Illustration: PRAIRIE RATTLER]