Florida Museum of Natural History

Yellow tails of juvenile Cottonmouths and Copperheads

 

Kenneth Krysko photo.

A young Cottonmouth with a yellow tail.

Juvenile Cottonmouths and Copperheads have bright, sulfur yellow-colored tails that they use as a lure to attract prey. Young juveniles hold the tail upright (vertical) and wiggle the yellow tip like a caterpillar to lure small prey within striking distance.

Kenneth Wray photo.

As the Cottonmouth grows older the tail darkens to black.

Kenneth Krysko photo.

Note: Juvenile Pygmy Rattlesnakes also have yellow tails.

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