Are you often puzzled by the similarities between watersnakes and cottonmouths? Studies suggest that this similarity may be an evolutionary adaptation to avoid predation.1
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply intrigued by the world of reptiles, knowing these seven distinct characteristics can help you confidently recognize these species in the wild.
1. Habitat
Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are venomous snakes that inhabit areas from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas, and north to southern Illinois and Indiana.
Water snakes, also known as semiaquatic snakes, inhabit a variety of environments near water. Water snakes are primarily found in the Northern Hemisphere, predominantly in Eastern North America.
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Both species prefer habitats with still water, such as lakes, streams, bogs, rivers, and ponds. They like areas with open spaces that allow them plenty of room to bask in the sun.
2. Head Shape
Watersnakes have flat or slender heads without a prominent ridge along the top, giving them a more “derpy” appearance from the side or head-on.
Cottonmouths have thick, block-shaped heads with a distinct angular ridge that starts above the eye and extends forward towards the snout. This ridge is partially overhanging the eye like a brow and gives them a grumpy or annoyed look.
3. Appearance
Cottonmouths have distinct bands of darker scales, while watersnakes have squarish splotches instead of bands.
Also, cottonmouths have visible “pits” between their eyes and nostrils, which watersnakes lack. If you see a cottonmouth up close, you’ll notice that the inside of its mouth is a bright, cotton-white color (where they got their name from).
4. Neck Definition
Watersnakes have necks that smoothly blend into their bodies without a distinct separation, giving them a more streamlined appearance.
Cottonmouths often have a narrower, more defined neck in relation to their head, creating a more noticeable distinction between the head and body.
5. Eye Pupils
Cottonmouths have vertical, slit-like pupils, similar to those of a cat. These pupils are adapted for low-light conditions.
Watersnakes have circular pupils. When observing them from above, you can see their eyes, unlike cottonmouths whose eyes remain hidden in this view.
6. Facial Pits
Cottonmouths, being pit vipers, possess heat-sensing facial pits located between their eyes and nostrils. These specialized pits allow cottonmouths to detect minute temperature differences, aiding in accurately striking at heat sources, often prey.
Watersnakes lack these facial pits, a characteristic typical of pit vipers like cottonmouths.
7. Venom
Cottonmouths belong to the pit viper family and possess a potent hemotoxic venom, which they use to subdue their prey.
Watersnakes are non-venomous and often mimic cottonmouths as a defensive mechanism when threatened.
Now that you know the key clues to look for, you can easily spot watersnakes and cottonmouths and will be able to appreciate these creatures from a safe distance.
Source:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.