A few weeks ago our class had the opportunity to explore the South Carolina Aquarium. We were lucky enough to get a behind the scenes look at how the aquarium works. We also got a chance to observe the sea turtle hospital where numerous sea turtles were being nursed back to good health. After our guided tour, we were allowed to stay and enjoy the aquarium. While meandering through the aquarium, I stumbled upon a copperhead snake (Agkistrodon contortrix) tucked in a very small enclosure in the corner of one of the exhibits. Given that this snake is venomous, this was the perfect opportunity to observe a copperhead so close. This is almost certainly the only way I personally would like to view this type of snake, behind a thick sheet of glass. I was excited to see this snake because the way it was laying made it easy to distinguish many of the key characteristics that show that it is a venomous snake.
These characteristics include the spade shaped head that is distinct from the neck and elliptical pupils. Also easily visible is a pit located midway between the nostril and the eye. This pit is very important to this species and other species of pit vipers because it is a heat-sensing pit that aids in locating prey. I am not sure the size of this particular snake, but this species usually grows to about 20-27 inches. These snakes typically have a pale brown or light tan body with a pinkish tint. Along the body are dark hour-glass shaped cross bands that are narrow along the midline of the back. Often the bands do not meet. This species occupies many different habitats in the United States, including mixed woodlands and swampy regions.
(Lauren Jindracek, SC)
No comments:
Post a Comment