REPTILIA 



321 



{Cerastes cornutus) is a small African desert species with a sharp 

 spine above each eye. 



The pit vipers {Sub-family Crotalinae) have a deep pit between 

 the eye and the nostril. (Figure 177, A and B.) 



The water moccasin or cotton-mouth snake {Agkistrodon piscivorus) 

 is a semi-aquatic form found in the Southeastern United States. 



Poison qlond 



Head of Micrurus 



(Pro feroglypha) 



Cross section 

 of cjrooved fonq. 



Grooved foncj. 



Poison gland 



Head of Crotalus 



(So ten o q hyp ho) 



Cross section 

 of hol/Ov^ fonq- 



Tronsporenf" yiev</ 



of hollov^ fane 



Fig. 177. Fangs and head of coral snake {Micriirus) and rattler {Crotalus). (Cour- 

 tesy of Antivenin Institute of America.) 



It reaches a length of six feet. It is omnivorous, devouring fishes, 

 amphibians, other^reptiles and small birds and mammals. Death 

 may ensue in one-half hour after the bite of an adult specimen. 

 (Figure 178.) 



The copperhead snake {Agkistrodon co7ttortrix) is found east of 

 the Mississippi River, ranging South from Massachusetts. It 

 occurs as far west as Texas. It is not extremely vicious although 

 one of the most venomous of forms. Its food includes amphibians, 

 small birds, and rodents. It is viviparous and produces as many as 

 a dozen young at a birth. (Figure 179.) 



The bushmaster {Lachesis mutus) is found in Central and tropical 

 South America. Reaching a length of ten feet, it is said to be the 



