Trans-Pecos Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster

 

DISTRIBUTION: In our region, Agkistrodon c. pictigaster occurs only in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas from Val Verde County, Crockett County, and Upton County westward into the Davis Mountains and throughout the Big Bend area. Along the eastern edge of its range this species intergrades with the Broad-banded Copperhead.

LEGAL STATUS: No Listings

MEANING OF SCIENTIFIC NAME: Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster (Gloyd & Conant – 1943)
Genus: AgkistrodonGreek – ankistron = hook + odontos = tooth – ref. curved fangs
Species: contortrixLatin – contortus = full of turns, twisted + trix = agent or doer of an action – pos. ref. curved body markings, or “like a contortionist” ref. to body movements or condition of type specimen
Subspecies: pictigaster, Latin – pictus = painted, embroidered + gaster = belly
Ref. Ellen Beltz 2006
Ref. E. Jaeger 1962

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