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Copperhead Snake or Highland Moccasin — Part 3
The number of young produced by this viviparous snake, is small. From a number of observations it appears to vary from six to nine. A specimen giving birth to the latter number measured two and a half feet in length; the young snakes were ten inches long. When born, the young snakes have brilliant, sulphur-yellow tails. Quite frequently, when the food is introduced into a cage containing small Copperheads, the tails of the little snakes wriggle and twist in a manner that instantly suggests their remarkable similarity to yellow grubs or maggots. When among dried leaves the colours of the young snakes blend so perfectly with their surroundings that it is almost impossible, when a little distance away, to discover them with the exception of the bright yellow tail. Well might the unsuspecting woodfrog as it hops about in search of insect food be attracted to this conspicuous object and toward the jaws of the ever-ready snake. It is very probable that the young Copperhead employs the yellow tail to attract its prey, as does the big snapping turtle, already described, lure the fish within its jaws by the grub-like filament of flesh. Certain it is that the young snakes wriggle their tails in what, to the unsuspecting frog, might be termed an alluring manner.
During the second year the yellow of the tail fades quickly, and disappears altogether within the third year, except in the Texas form, which retains a greenish-yellow tint through life. (This character of the Texas specimens, was first pointed out to me by Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Curator of Reptiles in the United States National Museum. An examination of a large series of specimens shows this to be quite constant).
Herewith are given several records of the birth of young Copperheads, from female specimens captured but a few weeks before the young were born:
Aug. 25. Brood of 6. Female from Fort Lee, N. J.
Sept. 6. Brood of 5. Female from Fort Lee, N. J.
Sept. 7. Brood of 4. Female from Fort Lee, N. J.
Sept. 9. Brood of 6. Female from Greenwood Lake, N. J.
Sept. 10. Brood of 7. Female from North Carolina.
Sept. 10. Brood of 9. Female from Fort Lee, N. J.
Sept. 11. Brood of 9. Female from Delaware Water Gap, Pa.