Florida's Nature/Home

Glossary

Venomous Snakes of South Florida

Florida is home to six varieties of poisonous snakes, however only four of these reside in South Florida. The two others - the Copperhead and Timber rattlesnake are found only in the panhandle and North Florida.

For more photographs and information about these and other native Florida snakes,
visit this online guide created by Florida State University and the Florida Museum of Natural History.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus

The Diamondback is found in all of Florida & although it is most common in pine and palmetto flatwoods it may be found in virtually any type of habitat.

Eastern Diamondbacks get large (up to eight feet), and are a heavy bodied snake. This is a very dangerous snake, having a copious amount of venom, a fast strike and the ability to strike to 2/3 of its body's length. Diamondbacks are named for the distinctive diamond pattern on their backs.

When they feel threatened, a Diamondback will usually coil up with its head raised and neck in a -S- position ready to strike.

Note - Rattlesnakes do not always rattle, so don't rely on this to warn you of a nearby snake.

Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius barbouri

Also found throughout Florida, this small snake measures 18 inches or less in length & although they have lesser quantities of venom than the Diamondback it is more potent.

A grey background coloration coupled with its small size can make it difficult to spot. The Pygmy rattlesnake has alternating reddish-copper colored markings along its back.

Pygmy rattlers tend to be aggressive and quick to strike, their rattle can only be heard for a few feet & resembles an insect buzzing.

Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin
Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti

Grows to over 5 feet in length, with somewhat variable coloration, they range from a bland brownish color to near black & may or may not have visible darker cross bands.

As the name implies this is a water snake found around swamps, marshes, lakes and ponds. A nocturnal hunter, it usually rests near the water during daylight hours.

The Cottonmouth is unpredictable in that some individuals are very aggressive, this is the only snake that will sometimes actually pursue anyone that intrudes into its space, whereas other snakes will retreat if possible.

Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius fulvius

Unlike the other venomous snakes listed here the Coral snake is more shy and secretive by nature, spending most of its time burrowing under leaf litter or fallen trees looking for its prey... small snakes, frogs, and lizards.

Most bites from the Coral snake come about as a result of handling the snake.

The body is banded with black, yellow and red rings with the red and yellow bands touching. The poison is similar to Cobra venom, it is a neurotoxin.

Symptoms of a bite may be somewhat delayed and include slurred speech, double or blurred vision and difficulty swallowing, possibly progressing to respiratory and cardiac collapse.

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