(Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus)
This is the smallest subspecies of Copperhead and occurs mainly in wooded terrain, usually not far from waterways. In the wild they generally exists in Western and
Central Texas the northern areas of
lace Oklahoma and also in areas of southern
Size
This species of Copperhead usually reaches sizes of between 45cm and 75cm (18 and 30 inches), although specimens longer than this do occasionally occur.
Diet
In the wild this species mainly eats a variety of mice, frogs, frogs, insects and other snakes. In captivity a diet of defrosted rodents should be offered. A separate feeding guide is available. Tongs should always be used when feeding these snakes.
Requirements
·Heat Source: - This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, or red, or ceramic bulbs.
·Ultra Violet Light Source: - There is a lot of controversy as to whether snakes require UVB light or not, so it is up to the keeper to choose. If it is chosen to use UVB lighting then it should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. It should also be positioned no more than 30cm away from the basking reptile. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
·Thermostat: - An essential part of every vivarium and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
·Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
·Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
·Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. These must be easy to remove with tongs for your safety.
·Housing - This should consist of a dark wooden Vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. Hatchlings can be kept in a smaller container inside their future Vivarium. A locked Vivarium measuring 105cm by 45cm by 45cm (3½ft by 1½ft by 1½ft), is fine for an adult specimen.
Temperature
This species requires a basking area, which reaches at least 30C (86F), with a background temperature of around 27C (77F).
Humidity and water
A water dish, which is large enough for the snake to completely submerge itself in should be provided. This should be changed regularly as it also the water the snake drinks. The snake should be removed prior to the water being changed.
Substrate
The best substrate to use with this species is either chip shop paper or newspaper, due to the ease of cleaning. Large pieces of bark mulch (not pine or cedar) can be used to good effect as it also aids in maintaining the humidity. The snake should always be removed to a safe container before cleaning commences.
This species is venomous and you currently require a DWA license in order to maintain it in captivity
. The Vivarium should remain locked at all times.
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It is recommended to spend time with an experienced keeper of this species prior to handling/maintaining them in order to be shown the correct method of handling them>
Recommended Reading/Useful contacts
Hot Herps Society – www.hotherps.com
Local Environmental Health Officer at the council
Stuart Dodsworth – stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society – www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society – www.thebhs.org http://www.venombyte.com/venom/snake...copperhead.asp
Taxonomy Information- http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/srs5bin/cgi-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Agkistrodon_SP_contortrix']>
www.tilkeeper.co.uk
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