Types of Cottonmouth Snake

The cottonmouth gets its name from its distinctive white coloring inside its mouth. Science accepts three subspecies of cottonmouth: the eastern, western and Florida varieties. Each is different in the home range, and there are some noticeable physical differences. All three subspecies are equally dangerous with potent venom that causes serious bleeding and tissue damage.

  1. Description

    • The eastern and Florida cottonmouth subspecies are physically identical. Both grow to between 20 and 48 inches in length and have thick bodies. The snakes are dark brown in color with darker cross bands along the body. Juveniles are brighter and redder in color. The western cottonmouth is slightly smaller on average; it grows to between 30 and 42 inches in length. It is similar in coloration to the other subspecies but has less defined cross bands of color. Adult western cottonmouths can appear completely black. A deep facial pit centered between the nostrils and the eye identify cottonmouths from other water snakes, which are harmless.

    Range and Habitat

    • The eastern and Florida subspecies are both found throughout Florida. The Florida cottonmouth extends north and west into Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas. The eastern cottonmouth extends north into Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. The western cottonmouth is not found in Florida but ranges more centrally from Illinois to Alabama, Texas and Oklahoma. The common nickname for cottonmouths is water moccasin, and accordingly all three subspecies prefer wetland habitats. The snakes can be found near most water sources throughout their range and will sometimes wander into drier areas.

    Diet

    • All three subspecies have the same method of catching and killing prey and feed on similar types of food. It is an ambush predator that lies in wait for its prey to come close. Once within striking distance, the snake lunges forward and bites, injecting deadly venom while wrapping the animal in its coils until it stops struggling. To catch fish, the snake swims up to them and can bite underwater. The snakes eat small prey such as mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles and birds.

    Life Cycle

    • Cottonmouths are mainly solitary animals outside of breeding. The peak time of year for breeding is between April and May but may occur throughout the year. Male cottonmouths perform a combat dance and fend off other males to attract a female. After mating, pregnancy takes about five months, with the female incubating the eggs internally and giving birth to live young. Litters of young can range from one to 16 and are fully capable of delivering a deadly bite from the start.