SERPENTS OF NORTHEASTERN UNITED STATES 



3S5 



The author has not seen the specimens on which this subspecies is 

 based, but from the published description the form seems to be 

 entitled to as much recognition asE. s. graminea, and certain 

 other forms to which Cope has given subspecific rank. 



B. CROTALIDAE 



Deep pit between eye and nostril ; head rather markedly triangu- 

 lar ; neck constricted ; subcaudals entire. No normal (solid) teeth 

 opon the upper jaw, which carries erectile hollow poison fangs. 

 All the species are venomous. 



21 Ancistrodon contortrix (Linn.) 

 Copperhead 

 De Kay. Trigonocephaly contortrix 

 Jordan. Agkistrodon contortrix 



No rattle. Top of head with nine symmetric plates in front ; 

 scales behind. Scales in 23 rows. General form robust." 



Fig. 22 Ancistrodon contortrix 



Above hazel brown, becoming bright copper colored on head; 

 darker chestnut colored blotches on sides ; beneath dull yellowish, 

 with a series of distinct, large, dark blotches on each side. Chin 

 and throat unspotted. Sides of head cream color. Length 40 

 inches. 



" Though found in the western part of the state, most numerous 

 in the meadows of Columbia and Dutchess counties." De Kay, '42 



Ditmars ('96, p. 23) mentions occurrences at Alpine N. J., 

 and in Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties, ]N". Y. 



" Much more common than the ' rattler.' Some are killed in hay- 

 fields in the neighborhood of Highland Falls, Orange co. each year." 

 Mearns. '98, p. 327 



