Adaptations of Cottonmouth Water Moccasins

The cottonmouth water moccasin, or Agkistrodon piscivorus, is a species of snake often referred to simply as a "water moccasin." Cottonmouth water moccasins are native to the southeastern United States. They are large snakes, usually measuring 24 to 48 inches in length. They are extremely venomous. Cottonmouth water moccasins have several adaptations that help them survive in the wild.

  1. Heat Sensing Pits

    • Cottonmouth water moccasins, like some other species of snake such as the pit viper, are equipped with specialized facial pits near their jaws. These pits allow the water moccasins to sense heat, which is how they detect their prey at night when they hunt. These snakes feed on a variety of small animals within their natural habitat such as lizards, birds, fish, rodents and even baby alligators. Using their facial pits, they are able to sense when prey is near. Then, they strike, paralyzing their prey with venom.

    Night Hunting

    • The water moccasin is a night-time hunter. This means it is most active after dark. Because the water moccasin is often found in dry, hot climates, it hides during the brightest part of the day and comes out to hunt for food when the temperatures cool off. Many of the animals the snake feeds on are also active at night, which helps as it hunts for food. These animals include small rodents such as mice and rats as well as nocturnal lizards.

    Mouth Color

    • The cottonmouth water moccasin derives its name from the white color in the interior of its mouth. This feature has developed as a defense mechanism. If threatened, the water moccasin often rises up and opens its mouth to show the white portion of its inner mouth. Though it seldom bites unless provoked, the bright white color of its mouth deters predators because it looks frightening.

    Migration

    • Though often found in the water, cottonmouth water moccasins can also be found far from bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or streams. This is because the water moccasin is able to go where the food is. If a river or stream is lacking in food supply, such as lizards and fish, the moccasin will travel far to find other areas where food is more readily available. Water moccasins are often found in drying mud holes where fish and small aquatic animals are trapped. The snakes feed on these animals.