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It's been a while since i've done these,but I'm restarting them.I'm going to also start show a picture of each animal.

King Cobra:(Ophiogagus Hannah)The largest venomous snake(22 ft) in the world,the King Cobra is a native to south and southeast asia living in dense highland forests.The snake has a preference for living in areas dotted with lakes and streams.King Cobra populations have dropped in some areas of its range due to the destruction of forests, but despite this,the snake is not listed by the IUCN as in danger of becoming extinct.
King Cobras, like other snakes, receive chemical information ("smell") via their forked tongues, which pick up scent particles and transfer them to a special sensory receptor (Jacobson's Organ) located in the roof of its mouth.When the scent of a meal has been detected, the snake will flick its tongue to gauge the prey's direction (the twin forks of the tongue acting in stereo); it will also rely on its keen eyesight (King Cobras are able to detect moving prey almost 100 m [300 feet] away), intelligence and sensitivity to earth-borne vibration to track its prey.Following envenomation, the King Cobra will begin to swallow its struggling prey while its toxins begin the digestion of its victim.King Cobras, as with all other snakes, do not have rigidly fixed jaws. Instead, the jaw bones are connected by extremely pliable ligaments, enabling the lower jaw bones to move independently of each other.Like other snakes, the King Cobra does not chew its food, instead it swallows its prey whole. The expansion of the jaw enables the snake to swallow prey much larger than its head.There has beeen some cases of King Cobras actually contricting their prey due to their muscular build,but this is rare.
While this snake's diet includes mammals birds and reptiles,it's diet is comprised of mostly other snakes,both venomous and non-venomous.The defense method of this snake is typical of most cobras,first trying to flee the threat,but when cornered, will rise up,expand the ribs to give the signature cobra "hood" coupled with a high-pitched hiss.
The venom of the King Cobra is not the most potent one,but is inject in far larger qauntities due to the size of the snake.The venom is neurotoxin ,which means it attacks the central nervous system which will causes pain,paralysis,blurred vison,etc.In 1-2 minutes,the victim will collapes and go into a coma.Death might follow due to respiratory failure.this actaully enables the king cobra to be able to kill a human even faster than the black mamba(see below) and even bring down an asian elephant in 3 hours if bitten in a vunrable spot. The following picture is an adult male.


Eastern Diamond-backed rattlesnake:(Crotalus adamanteus)the heaviest viper in the Americas and largest species of rattlesnake,This snake's standard size is 5 or 6 feet and 20 lb on average.The eastern diamondback is found in found in the southeastern United States from southeastern North Carolina, south along the coastal plain through peninsular Florida to the Florida Keys, and west along the Gulf Coast though southern Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana.The Habitat is usually dry pine forest, pine and palmetto flatwoods, sandhills and coastal maritime hammocks, long-leaf pine/turkey-oak habitats, grass-sedge marshes and swamp forest, mesic hammocks, sandy mixed woodlands, xeric hammocks, salt marshes, as well as wet prairies during dry periods. In many areas it seems to use burrows made by gophers and gopher tortoises during the summer and winter.
These snakes forage actively or lie in ambush for small mammals, especially rabbits and rice rats (Oryzomys). Their diet also includes birds. Prey is struck and released, after which they follow the scent trail left by the dying prey.
Because of their large size, the adults have no problem eating prey as large as fully-grown cottontail rabbits. As the juveniles are capable of swallowing adult mice, even they do not often resort to eating slimmer prey, such as lizards. In fact, eastern cottontails and marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus) form the bulk of their diet in most parts of Florida. Squirrels, rats, and mice are also on the menu, along with birds such as towhees and quail. Other prey that have been reported include a king rail, bobwhites, a young wild turkey, and a mother woodpecker along with four of her eggs.
This species has the reputation of being the most dangerous venomous snake in North America.While not usually aggressive, they are large and powerful. Wright and Wright (1957) mention a mortality rate of 30% and that some victims have died within a matter of hours.In proportion to its length, it has the longest fangs of any rattlesnake species, with calculations leading us to expect that an 8-foot (240 cm) specimen would have fangs with a total length of 27 mm (over one inch). For comparison, a 160 cm (5 ft. 3 in.) specimen had fangs with a length of 17 mm.The venom contains a thrombin-like enzyme (TLE), called crotalase, that is capable of clotting fibrinogen, leading to the secondary activation of plasminogen from endothelial cells. Although the venom does not activate platelets, the production of fibrin strands can result in a reduced platelet count, as well as the hemolysis of red blood cells. Even with this defibrination, however, clinically significant bleeding is uncommon.Nevertheless, the venom does exhibit high hemorrhagic activity due to the precesnse of hemotoxins in it.
Really handsome devils ain't they?


Western Diamond backed Rattlesnake:(Crotalus atrox)Second only to the Easten diamond back in number of human kills,The western diamond backed is a formidable pitviper.Adults commonly grow to 120 cm (4 ft) in length. Specimens over 150 cm (5 ft) are infrequently encountered, while those over 180 cm (6 ft) are very rare. he color pattern generally consists of a dusty looking gray-brown ground color, but it may also be pinkish brown, brick red, yellowish, pinkish or chalky white. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of 24-25 dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. The first of these may be a pair of short stripes that extend backwards to eventually merge.The tail has 2-8 (usually 4-6) black bands separated by interspaces that are ash white or pale gray and have made the snake easy to recongize.
The range is the United States from central Arkansas and southeastern California, south into Mexico as far as northern Sinaloa, Hidalgo and northern Veracruz. Disjunct populations exist in southern Veracruz and southeastern Oaxaca. The type locality given is "Indianola".The habitat is usually areas ranging from flat coastal plains to steep rocky canyons and hillsides. It is associated with many different vegetation types, including desert, sandy creosote areas, mesquite grassland, desertscrub, and pine-oak forests. Towards the southern edge of its range, this species may be found in thornforest and tropical deciduous forest.
Life expectancy is more than twenty years, but is typically shorter because of hunting and human expansion. Solitary outside of mating season, they are one of the more aggressive rattlesnake species found in North America because they rarely back away from confrontation. When threatened they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors.However they will not bite unless they think there is no other choice.
Their prey is primarily small mammals such as praire dogs,rats,mice,squirrels,rabbits,etc,but will also eat other repiles and birds.Their have been reports of some feeding on grasshoppers.These snakes can go for up to two years without food in the wild.A 5 month starvation study showed that the snakes reduced energy expenditures by an average of 80% over the length of the study. The snakes also feed from within on energy-rich lipid stores. The most interesting finding was that the snakes grew during the study, indicating that while the snake's mass was shrinking, it was putting its resources into skeletal muscles and bone.Although the venom of the diamondback isn't particularly toxic, the size of the snake allows a larger capacity of venom which is released from its two prominent fangs. It's not uncommon that only one bite mark from one fang is visible after a strike.Most of the toxin released is proteolytic like all other American pit vipers. Proteolytic venoms are, in fact, advanced and concentrated fluids that destroy tissues and other cells through intramolecular digestion. A few toxic effects include: cytotoxic (destroys cells), hemotoxic (destroys red blood cells), myotoxic (causes paralysis and muscle destruction), hemorrhagic (causes persistent bleeding). Smaller amounts of neurotoxins are also present. Unlike neurotoxins, hemotoxin envenomations becomes quickly apparent; the area around the wound swells at a rapid rate. Discoloration and pain are also experienced shortly after being bitten. Professional medical attention should be sought immediately, especially when the victim is a child. The smaller the victim the less time it takes for the venom to spread. Although it is commonly believed that baby or young rattlesnakes deliver more concentrated venom and are thus more dangerous, this idea is not supported by scientific evidence. The amount of venom delivered is a much more important indicator of the bite's danger than the venom's concentration, and since larger (older) snakes can deliver much more venom, larger rattlesnakes should always be considered more dangerous even though many bites from adult snakes are "dry".
(I was origanally going to do the Sidewinder,but decided to go for this one as well.)Give thanks to Foxy Aleu for having me put this one up.




Black Mamba:(Dendroaspis polylepis):Out of all non-cobra elapids in the world,this is indeed the largest and most feared species.The black mamba has an average size of over 8 to 14 feet,making it second only to the King Cobra in being the largest venomous snake.The name "black mamba" is somewhat confusing because it contradicts the snake's actual color. Its body is not black at all; the name is given to it because of its inky black mouth.Normally mambas have a grey brown or metal color. Some of them have a light band around their body. As mambas get older, their skin begins to darken.
Warm-blooded prey, such as rodents, ground squirrels, and other small mammals, are the mamba's main source of food. When hunting small animals, the black mamba delivers one or two deadly bites and backs off, waiting for the neurotoxin in its venom to paralyze the prey.When killing a bird, however, the black mamba will cling to its prey, preventing its departure. Black mambas have also been said to have eaten other reptiles and snakes but there is little documentation to support it.After ingestion, powerful acids digest the prey, sometimes within 8 to 10 hours(which is quite fast for most snakes).
When warding off a bigger threat or feeling very threatened, the black mamba usually delivers multiple strikes, injecting its potent neuro- and cardiotoxin with each strike, often attacking the body or head, unlike most other snakes. It can strike up to 12 times in a row. A single bite from a black mamba can inject enough venom to kill up to 10-25 grown men, easily killing one unless the appropriate anti-venom is administered in time. When cornered, it will readily attack. When in the striking position, the mamba flattens its neck, hisses very loudly and displays its inky black mouth and fangs. It can rear up around one-third of its body from the ground, which allows it to reach heights of approximately four feet.It should also be known that these snakes are very easy to provoke.
The initial symptom of the bite is local pain in the bite area, although not as severe as snakes with hemotoxins. The victim then experiences a tingling sensation in the mouth and extremities, ptosis, diplopia, dysphagia, tunnel vision, ophthalmoparesis, severe confusion, dysarthria, fever, diaphoresis (excessive perspiration), excessive salivation (including foaming of the mouth and nose), and pronounced ataxia (lack of muscle control). If the victim does not receive medical attention, symptoms rapidly progress to severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, lymphadenopathy, dyspnea (shortness of breath), epistaxis, pallor, shock, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and paralysis. Eventually, the victim experiences convulsions, respiratory arrest, coma, and then death.


Copperhead:(Agkistrodon contortrix)A smaller species of pitviper,This animal usually grows to a total length of 50-95 cm, although some may exceed 1 m. Males are usually larger than females. The maximum length reported for this species is 134.6.The body is relatively stout and the head is broad and distinct from the neck. Because the snout slopes down and back, it appears less blunt than that of the cottonmouth, A. piscivorus. Consequently, the top of the head extends further forward than the mouth.The color pattern consists of a pale tan to pinkish tan ground color that becomes darker towards the midline, overlaid with a series of 10-18 (13.4) crossbands. Characteristically, both the ground color and crossband pattern are pale in A. c. contortrix. These crossbands are light tan to pinkish tan to pale brown in the center, but darker towards the edges.At the base of the tail there are 1-3 (usually 2) brown crossbands followed by a gray area. In juveniles, the pattern on the tail is more distinct: 7-9 crossbands are visible, while the tip is yellow. On the head, the crown is usually unmarked, except for a pair of small dark spots, one near the midline of each parietal scale. A faint postocular stripe is also present; diffuse above and bordered below by a narrow brown edge.
The range of the copperhead is across most of the eastern U.S,stretchins as far north os missouri to down in Chihuahua and Coahuila of Mexico.Within its range it occupies a variety of different habitats. In most of North America it favors deciduous forest and mixed woodlands. It is often associated with rock outcroppings and ledges, but is also found in low-lying swampy regions. In the states around the Gulf of Mexico, however, this species is also found in coniferous forest. In the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and northern Mexico, it occurs in riparian habitats, usually near permanent or semipermanent water and sometimes in dry arroyos.
Like all pit vipers, A. contortrix is an ambush predator: it takes up a promising position and waits for suitable prey to arrive. In the southern United States, they are nocturnal during the hot summer months, but are commonly active during the day during the spring and fall.
Like most North American viperids, these snakes prefer to avoid humans and, given the opportunity, will leave the area without biting. However, unlike other viperids they will often "freeze" instead of slithering away, and as a result many bites occur from people unknowingly stepping on or near them.Roughly 90% of its diet consists of small rodents, such as mice and voles. They have also shown fondness for large insects and frogs, and though highly terrestrial, have been known to climb trees to gorge on emerging cicadas.
Although venomous, these snakes are generally non-aggressive and bites are almost never fatal. Copperhead venom has an estimated lethal dose of around 100mg, and tests on mice show its potency is among the lowest of all pit vipers, though slightly stronger than that of its close relative, the cottonmouth. The bite of a cottonmouth is more serious, however, as they have a much larger venom yield than a copperhead. Copperheads often employ a "warning bite" when stepped on or agitated and inject a relatively small amount of venom, if any at all. "Dry bites" involving no venom are particularly common with the copperhead, though all pit vipers are capable of a dry bite.
Bite symptoms include intense pain, tingling, throbbing, swelling, and severe nausea. Damage can occur to muscle and bone tissue, especially when the bite occurs in the outer extremities such as the hands and feet, areas in which there is not a large muscle mass to absorb the venom. A bite from any venomous snake should be taken very seriously and immediate medical attention sought, as allergic reaction and secondary infection are always possible.


Anaconda:(Eunectes murinus)the heaviest snake in the worls,the green anaconada's size is usually 18 to 25 feet in length,but ere have been reports of some reaching far above that.Found in South America in countries east of the Andes, including Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and on the island of Trinidad.
The primarily nocturnal anaconda species tend to spend most of its life in or around water. Anacondas are also sometimes known as the "Water Boa;" they spend more time in water than any of the boas. Because of its size being typically large it appears to be rather slow and sluggish when traveling on land. Completely the opposite in water however, anacondas are known to have the potential to reach incredibly high speeds in all depths of water levels. One tends to float atop the surface of the water with its snout barely poking out above the surface. When prey simply passes by or stops to drink, the hungry anaconda will snatch it using its jaws (without eating or swallowing it) and coils around it with its body. The snake will then constrict, tighten, and squeeze its coils until the anaconda has successfully suffocated and/or drowned its victim. Prey is suffocated , but never "crushed." The anaconda merely tightens only enough to stop its victim's breathing.Primarily aquatic, they eat a wide variety of prey, almost anything they can manage to overpower, including fish, birds, a variety of mammals, and other reptiles. Particularly large anacondas may even consume large prey such as tapir, deer, capybara, caiman, and sometimes crocodiles and jaguars, but such large meals are not regularly consumed. In addition, there have been many reports and documentaries on anacondas consuming humans.

This species of boa is infact becoming native to the florida everglades.Since this is a popular animal as a pet,they are often released into the wild when they reach full size and during hurricane Katrina,many escaped into the wild.these snakes have been thriving quire well since the everglades are an outstanding area for them due to the climate,humidity,habitat and plentiful food.this has also allowed them to beed and some are reaching massive sizes.Prehaps We'll soon find some giants among them.


Eastern coral snake:(Micrurus fulvius)A small venomous elapid species found only in the southeastern United States.Not to be confused with its harmless mimics, the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) and the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides).
Generally less than 80 cm in length, with maximum reported lengths of 121.8 cm for a specimen in Florida.The color pattern consists of a series of rings that encircle the body: wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings. The head is black from the rostral to just behind the eyes. The red rings are usually speckled with black.
This species of coral snake is found in Southeastern North Carolina south through South Carolina and peninsular Florida, and westward through southern Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. May be found at altitudes of near sea level to approximately 400 m.Occurs in upland mesophytic and tropical hammocks in Florida, as well as glade land, high pine, scrub oak and live oak hammock, slash pine and wiregrass flatwoods. In southern Georgia and Florida it is found in dry areas with open ground that are bushy but not heavily vegetated. Associated with sandy ridges in Mississippi and sandy creek bottoms in Louisiana.
This Snake feeds primarily on small lizards and other snakes.Only two documented fatalities were attributed to this species in the 1950s and none have been reported since Wyeth antivenin became available for it in the 1960s. It does not account for many cases of snakebite in the US because of its secretive nature and general reluctance to bite (its venomous potential was still being debated in the 1880s). In addition, it is estimated that envenomation occurs in only 40% of all bites.
This is possibly the only type of elapid found in the U.S.


Grey-Banded Kingsnake:(Lampropeltis alterna)or more commonly just referred to as the alterna, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake.Grey-banded kingsnakes are moderately sized snakes, rarely exceeding 46 inches, but specimens up to 57 inches have been recorded.They have a relatively wide head (when compared to other kingsnake species), and have large eyes with round pupils.Alterna coloration and patterning varies greatly, but there are two main color morphs, which were once considered separate subspecies: the "Blairs" which has wide red/orange banding, and the "Alterna" which has thinner orange/red banding. Both are generally on a grey background with white and/or black accenting.It is found in the Trans-Pecos/Chihuahuan Desert region of western Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua.
In the wild, grey-banded kingsnakes are not often encountered. They are uncommon, nocturnal, and quite secretive. Their natural range is sparsely populated with humans and many regions are virtually impassable due to its mountainous terrain. In the field herpetologist community, finding one in the wild is often considered to be a laudable feat. Most that are located are found along the roadways that transect their habitat in the Trans Pecos region.
Alterna generally have a calm disposition and are not prone to defensive reactions, like biting. They feed primarily on lizards, rodents, and sometimes frogs.
Grey-banded kingsnakes are commonly kept in captivity and are fairly easy to come by in the exotic pet trade. Due to their relatively small size, calm dispositions, and astounding array of pattern variations they are frequently captive bred.


Boa Constrictor:(Boa Constrictor) is a well known species of Boa native to Central and South America including the carribean islands.The common name is the same as the scientific name, which is unusual as you people may have noticed.Adult sizes vary among the subspecies, although those found in northern South America reach the greatest lengths. The largest specimens on record are two from Suriname; one measuring 13.5 feet (4.1 m) and the other slightly over 14 feet (4.3 m). However, such sizes are very rare and on average 10 feet (3 m) is considered a large specimen.[3] There is also a report of an 18.5 foot (5.6 m) specimen from Trinidad, but this is now believed to have been a misidentified anaconda.The color pattern consists of a ruddy brown ground color, becoming a rich brick red on the tail. Dorsally, the ground color is overlaid with a series of large tan-colored saddles that become lighter towards the tail. Here, the saddles break up into half rings of a pale cream color in vivid contrast with the red.
This animal usually flourishes in a varitey of enviroments from tropical rainforests to even an arid country.
Small individuals may climb into trees and shrubs to forage, but they become mostly terrestrial as they become older and heavier.It is said that specimens from Central America are more irascible, hissing loudly and striking repeatedly when disturbed, while those from South America tame down more readily.It's diet includes are good variety of mammals,reptiles and birds.However they usually will prefer to concentrate mostly on rodents.This species does well in captivity, usually becoming quite tame. It is a common sight in zoos. Captive longevity is 20 to 30 years, with rare accounts of over 40 years, making them a long-term commitment as a pet. Proper animal husbandry is the most significant factor in captive lifespan. Though still exported from their native South America in significant numbers, it is widely bred in captivity.


Corn Snake:(Elaphe guttata) also known as the Red Rat Sanke or the Chicken Snake is a small species of North american rat snake known for its useage of constriction to subdue it's prey.The purpose of the name is because of Maze-like patterns on the belly which are known to resemble a cornfield.
The size is usually 1.2 to 1.8 meters in length.The coloring has apparently began to vary due to selective breeding in captivity with more than 20 different patterns!
Wild Corn Snakes prefer habitats such as overgrown fields, forest openings, trees, and abandoned or seldom-used buildings and farms, from sea level to as high as 6,000 feet.They are found in the southeastern staes from New Jersey to Florida and as far west as texas.In colder regions, snakes hibernate during winter. However, in the more temperate climate along the coast they shelter in rock crevices and logs during cold weather, and come out on warm days to soak up the heat of the sun, a process known as brumation.
Their diet is mostly based on rodents,but will also go for birds and bats.In their earlier years(Corn sanke live up to 20 years),they will often go for small lizardss such as Anoles.As stated earlier,Corn snakes use constriction to kill prey,which doesn't suffocation,but high blood pressure,the same technique is in boas,pythons and sometimes in king cobras.
Due to their size,lack of venom,docile nature,reluctance to bite and life span,Corn Snakes are a firm favorite as pets with the coloring pattern being moore likely to vary.

The corn snake in the picture is a wild born one.


Golden Tree Snake:(Chrysopelea ornata ornatissima) is handsome species of Colubrid.Despite the name, the attractive patterning is actually green or greenish-yellow on a black background with the belly being brightly colored.The body, though slender, is far less so than in other tree snakes. It has a flattened head with constricted neck, a blunt nose and large eyes with round pupils.
The Geogarphic rasnge of this snake is southern based Asia the countries ofIndia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, western Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, China (Hong Kong, Hainan, Yunnan), Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi), and the Philippines.
Chrysopelea ornata is diurnal and arboreal. The snake's gliding ability, while not as impressive as that of the Paradise Flying Snake (C. paradisi), still makes it capable of moving from tree to tree with relative ease. These snakes are excellent climbers, being able move across even the smallest of branches and even straight up trees with next to no branches by using the edges of rough bark. They are frequently seen moving up a Coconut palm, or up vertical rock-faces in graceful curves gripping the somewhat uneven surface with their scales. They tend to be nervous, fast moving snakes, and will attempt to flee if disturbed, but will not generally hesitate to bite if handled.This species' venom is quite mild and shouldn't cause any signifant effects.
Chrysopelea ornata, like others of its genus, glides or parachutes. This is presumably done to cover distances faster, to escape predators, to catch prey, or to move around in forests. Flying snakes usually parachute from tree to tree, but sometimes launch themselves from trees onto the ground. They have been known to cross as much as 100m.
It does this by climbing up to a height, which it does easily by virtue of its keeled belly scales, and then launching itself into mid-air. The snake contracts its ventral surface inwards to form a U-shaped concave depression along the entire length of their bodies, holding the outer edges of the ventral scales rigid. This concave surface acts like a parachute, and increases air resistance allowing the snake to glide forward with the thrust of its launch. The snake undulates through the air, in a swimming-like motion. It holds the tail rigidly upwards and by twisting the tail from side to side, it attains balance. This motion allows it to propel forward, landing clumsily at the end of its flight.
In recent years, ornate flying snakes have become increasingly available in the exotic pet trade, many exported from Vietnam and neighboring countries. Instances of captive breeding are virtually unknown. Due to the species' nervous temperament and difficulty to adjusting to captivity, they tend to make poor captives for all but the most experienced reptile keepers.It isn't a species I would recommend.




If there is a paticular species you want me to add,please ask me

Can you add a Rattlesnake,thanks.

Of course.Which species do you want to be added.Or do you don't care which one?

Any Rattlesnake will do,I won't be particular.

Ok,here is the new one


Western Diamond backed Rattlesnake:(Crotalus atrox)Second only to the Easten diamond back in number of human kills,The western diamond backed is a formidable pitviper.Adults commonly grow to 120 cm (4 ft) in length. Specimens over 150 cm (5 ft) are infrequently encountered, while those over 180 cm (6 ft) are very rare. he color pattern generally consists of a dusty looking gray-brown ground color, but it may also be pinkish brown, brick red, yellowish, pinkish or chalky white. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of 24-25 dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. The first of these may be a pair of short stripes that extend backwards to eventually merge.The tail has 2-8 (usually 4-6) black bands separated by interspaces that are ash white or pale gray and have made the snake easy to recongize.
The range is the United States from central Arkansas and southeastern California, south into Mexico as far as northern Sinaloa, Hidalgo and northern Veracruz. Disjunct populations exist in southern Veracruz and southeastern Oaxaca. The type locality given is "Indianola".The habitat is usually areas ranging from flat coastal plains to steep rocky canyons and hillsides. It is associated with many different vegetation types, including desert, sandy creosote areas, mesquite grassland, desertscrub, and pine-oak forests. Towards the southern edge of its range, this species may be found in thornforest and tropical deciduous forest.
Life expectancy is more than twenty years, but is typically shorter because of hunting and human expansion. Solitary outside of mating season, they are one of the more aggressive rattlesnake species found in North America because they rarely back away from confrontation. When threatened they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors.However they will not bite unless they think there is no other choice.
Their prey is primarily small mammals such as praire dogs,rats,mice,squirrels,rabbits,etc,but will also eat other repiles and birds.Their have been reports of some feeding on grasshoppers.These snakes can go for up to two years without food in the wild.A 5 month starvation study showed that the snakes reduced energy expenditures by an average of 80% over the length of the study. The snakes also feed from within on energy-rich lipid stores. The most interesting finding was that the snakes grew during the study, indicating that while the snake's mass was shrinking, it was putting its resources into skeletal muscles and bone.Although the venom of the diamondback isn't particularly toxic, the size of the snake allows a larger capacity of venom which is released from its two prominent fangs. It's not uncommon that only one bite mark from one fang is visible after a strike.Most of the toxin released is proteolytic like all other American pit vipers. Proteolytic venoms are, in fact, advanced and concentrated fluids that destroy tissues and other cells through intramolecular digestion. A few toxic effects include: cytotoxic (destroys cells), hemotoxic (destroys red blood cells), myotoxic (causes paralysis and muscle destruction), hemorrhagic (causes persistent bleeding). Smaller amounts of neurotoxins are also present. Unlike neurotoxins, hemotoxin envenomations becomes quickly apparent; the area around the wound swells at a rapid rate. Discoloration and pain are also experienced shortly after being bitten. Professional medical attention should be sought immediately, especially when the victim is a child. The smaller the victim the less time it takes for the venom to spread. Although it is commonly believed that baby or young rattlesnakes deliver more concentrated venom and are thus more dangerous, this idea is not supported by scientific evidence. The amount of venom delivered is a much more important indicator of the bite's danger than the venom's concentration, and since larger (older) snakes can deliver much more venom, larger rattlesnakes should always be considered more dangerous even though many bites from adult snakes are "dry".
(I was origanally going to do the Sidewinder,but decided to go for this one as well.)Give thanks to Foxy Aleu for having me put this one up.

Nice topic Joker!!

Is there any chance ya could add a Copperhead?

Of course,i'll get working on it later today

Here it is.
Copperhead:(Agkistrodon contortrix)A smaller species of pitviper,This animal usually grows to a total length of 50-95 cm, although some may exceed 1 m. Males are usually larger than females. The maximum length reported for this species is 134.6.The body is relatively stout and the head is broad and distinct from the neck. Because the snout slopes down and back, it appears less blunt than that of the cottonmouth, A. piscivorus. Consequently, the top of the head extends further forward than the mouth.The color pattern consists of a pale tan to pinkish tan ground color that becomes darker towards the midline, overlaid with a series of 10-18 (13.4) crossbands. Characteristically, both the ground color and crossband pattern are pale in A. c. contortrix. These crossbands are light tan to pinkish tan to pale brown in the center, but darker towards the edges.At the base of the tail there are 1-3 (usually 2) brown crossbands followed by a gray area. In juveniles, the pattern on the tail is more distinct: 7-9 crossbands are visible, while the tip is yellow. On the head, the crown is usually unmarked, except for a pair of small dark spots, one near the midline of each parietal scale. A faint postocular stripe is also present; diffuse above and bordered below by a narrow brown edge.
The range of the copperhead is across most of the eastern U.S,stretchins as far north os missouri to down in Chihuahua and Coahuila of Mexico.Within its range it occupies a variety of different habitats. In most of North America it favors deciduous forest and mixed woodlands. It is often associated with rock outcroppings and ledges, but is also found in low-lying swampy regions. In the states around the Gulf of Mexico, however, this species is also found in coniferous forest. In the Chihuahuan Desert of west Texas and northern Mexico, it occurs in riparian habitats, usually near permanent or semipermanent water and sometimes in dry arroyos.
Like all pit vipers, A. contortrix is an ambush predator: it takes up a promising position and waits for suitable prey to arrive. In the southern United States, they are nocturnal during the hot summer months, but are commonly active during the day during the spring and fall.
Like most North American viperids, these snakes prefer to avoid humans and, given the opportunity, will leave the area without biting. However, unlike other viperids they will often "freeze" instead of slithering away, and as a result many bites occur from people unknowingly stepping on or near them.Roughly 90% of its diet consists of small rodents, such as mice and voles. They have also shown fondness for large insects and frogs, and though highly terrestrial, have been known to climb trees to gorge on emerging cicadas.
Although venomous, these snakes are generally non-aggressive and bites are almost never fatal. Copperhead venom has an estimated lethal dose of around 100mg, and tests on mice show its potency is among the lowest of all pit vipers, though slightly stronger than that of its close relative, the cottonmouth. The bite of a cottonmouth is more serious, however, as they have a much larger venom yield than a copperhead. Copperheads often employ a "warning bite" when stepped on or agitated and inject a relatively small amount of venom, if any at all. "Dry bites" involving no venom are particularly common with the copperhead, though all pit vipers are capable of a dry bite.
Bite symptoms include intense pain, tingling, throbbing, swelling, and severe nausea. Damage can occur to muscle and bone tissue, especially when the bite occurs in the outer extremities such as the hands and feet, areas in which there is not a large muscle mass to absorb the venom. A bite from any venomous snake should be taken very seriously and immediate medical attention sought, as allergic reaction and secondary infection are always possible.

Very nice topic. I've thought of some snakes that might be interesting to add; how about the coral snake and the king snake?

Sure,some colubrids wouldn't hurt to to add.I'll get on it soon.

Thankz for the Copperhead Joker

The area where I live is like known for having lots of Copperheads so it's good to know more about them.

Here they are:
Eastern coral snake:(Micrurus fulvius)A small venomous elapid species found only in the southeastern United States.Not to be confused with its harmless mimics, the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) and the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides).
Generally less than 80 cm in length, with maximum reported lengths of 121.8 cm for a specimen in Florida.The color pattern consists of a series of rings that encircle the body: wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings. The head is black from the rostral to just behind the eyes. The red rings are usually speckled with black.
This species of coral snake is found in Southeastern North Carolina south through South Carolina and peninsular Florida, and westward through southern Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. May be found at altitudes of near sea level to approximately 400 m.Occurs in upland mesophytic and tropical hammocks in Florida, as well as glade land, high pine, scrub oak and live oak hammock, slash pine and wiregrass flatwoods. In southern Georgia and Florida it is found in dry areas with open ground that are bushy but not heavily vegetated. Associated with sandy ridges in Mississippi and sandy creek bottoms in Louisiana.
This Snake feeds primarily on small lizards and other snakes.Only two documented fatalities were attributed to this species in the 1950s and none have been reported since Wyeth antivenin became available for it in the 1960s. It does not account for many cases of snakebite in the US because of its secretive nature and general reluctance to bite (its venomous potential was still being debated in the 1880s). In addition, it is estimated that envenomation occurs in only 40% of all bites.
This is possibly the only type of elapid found in the U.S.


Grey-Banded Kingsnake:(Lampropeltis alterna)or more commonly just referred to as the alterna, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake.Grey-banded kingsnakes are moderately sized snakes, rarely exceeding 46 inches, but specimens up to 57 inches have been recorded.They have a relatively wide head (when compared to other kingsnake species), and have large eyes with round pupils.Alterna coloration and patterning varies greatly, but there are two main color morphs, which were once considered separate subspecies: the "Blairs" which has wide red/orange banding, and the "Alterna" which has thinner orange/red banding. Both are generally on a grey background with white and/or black accenting.It is found in the Trans-Pecos/Chihuahuan Desert region of western Texas, southern New Mexico, and northern Chihuahua.
In the wild, grey-banded kingsnakes are not often encountered. They are uncommon, nocturnal, and quite secretive. Their natural range is sparsely populated with humans and many regions are virtually impassable due to its mountainous terrain. In the field herpetologist community, finding one in the wild is often considered to be a laudable feat. Most that are located are found along the roadways that transect their habitat in the Trans Pecos region.
Alterna generally have a calm disposition and are not prone to defensive reactions, like biting. They feed primarily on lizards, rodents, and sometimes frogs.
Grey-banded kingsnakes are commonly kept in captivity and are fairly easy to come by in the exotic pet trade. Due to their relatively small size, calm dispositions, and astounding array of pattern variations they are frequently captive bred.
[quote="whitewolf17"]Eastern coral snake:(Micrurus fulvius)A small venomous elapid species found only in the southeastern United States.Not to be confused with its harmless mimics, the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) and the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides).
Generally less than 80 cm in length, with maximum reported lengths of 121.8 cm for a specimen in Florida.The color pattern consists of a series of rings that encircle the body: wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings. The head is black from the rostral to just behind the eyes. The red rings are usually speckled with black.
This species of coral snake is found in Southeastern North Carolina south through South Carolina and peninsular Florida, and westward through southern Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. May be found at altitudes of near sea level to approximately 400 m.Occurs in upland mesophytic and tropical hammocks in Florida, as well as glade land, high pine, scrub oak and live oak hammock, slash pine and wiregrass flatwoods. In southern Georgia and Florida it is found in dry areas with open ground that are bushy but not heavily vegetated. Associated with sandy ridges in Mississippi and sandy creek bottoms in Louisiana.
This Snake feeds primarily on small lizards and other snakes.Only two documented fatalities were attributed to this species in the 1950s and none have been reported since Wyeth antivenin became available for it in the 1960s. It does not account for many cases of snakebite in the US because of its secretive nature and general reluctance to bite (its venomous potential was still being debated in the 1880s). In addition, it is estimated that envenomation occurs in only 40% of all bites.
This is possibly the only type of elapid found in the U.S.

Your most welcome. .It's always a wise choice to learn of the enviorment that you live in.

The snake is so cooool!

Thank you.
Which one do you mean?