Young Water Moccasin

A young Water Moccasin AKA Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) found on the road to the MIT parking lot west of Viera, Florida.

Young Water Moccasins look different than adults. Juveniles and young adults have bands across their bodies and are lighter brown. Their patterns, which can be striking, fade or are lost as they age.

Another interesting characteristic of juvenile water moccasins -The juveniles have bright-yellow tail tips that they use as a caudal lure to attract prey. They move the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs, within striking distance.

Ira, I was trying to make out some lettering in that pattern. When you view it upside down, it looks like Na na yada yada. ha

Here's an adult...

IraRunyan wrote in post #17885504
A young Water Moccasin AKA Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) found on the road to the MIT parking lot west of Viera, Florida.

Young Water Moccasins look different than adults. Juveniles and young adults have bands across their bodies and are lighter brown. Their patterns, which can be striking, fade or are lost as they age.

Another interesting characteristic of juvenile water moccasins -The juveniles have bright-yellow tail tips that they use as a caudal lure to attract prey. They move the tail tip slowly back and forth to lure prey, such as frogs, within striking distance.

Looks a lot like a copperhead.

They are related (same genus), and cool looking snakes.