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michael-ray β Little fireballs
Published: 2011-06-12 23:06:57 +0000 UTC; Views: 4097; Favourites: 145; Downloads: 70
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Description
Two juvenile Western cottnmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma) that I spotlighted one night recently while observing the mating behaviors of a few different species of frogs. I think we found 5 cottons total over two nights.Notice the yellow tail tips on both of them. They use these as a lure to attract prey. In this case, I'm sure they were picking off adult cricket frogs.
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Comments: 64
Β Make no mistake: they might be cute, but they are VERY dangerous! The one on the right looks like he was hissing.Β
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cottonmouths are gorgeous, i really like this picture!
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Woah... They're really pretty! I didn't know cottonmouths got that brightly colored.
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What lovely snakes. I adore cottonmouths almost as much as I adore Rattlers. This shot is fantastic.
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Cute cute 
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Littermates?
They look so funny together. Wonder if they do synchronized gaping?
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I love this shot. They're just so synchronized.
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I want one... hahah... or both! They are like twins~! 
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Thanks a lot and thanks for all the faves!!
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Hahha no problem and your welcome! I wasnt on DA for a few months so I had a lot to look at :*... I love your photos!! mostly the snakes of course!! and scorpions! just saying 
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I am particularly fond of photos that capture multiple specimens of a species that are known for different colors/patterns, thus this is great! I would like permission to use this as an example in my herpetology class compared to the Mississippi specimen I am using in class this Friday if that is possible?
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Absolutely, all I ask is that if it's printed anywhere or anything, I receive due credit.
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Absolutely! My class will be very thrilled to see this! Thank you so much and I will definantly give you credit where it is due!
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Wow. Interesting poses you caught them in!
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Yup! I had to work with 'em for probably 20 minutes before they'd both coil in somewhat the same direction.
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Wow, very nice!
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Wow... That shot os so unreal!
Marvelous work!
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omg they're so cuteeeee! thanks for sharing this adorable photo!
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Thanks for checking it out!
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Great photo and stunning specimens! I particularly like the one on the left.
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Thanks man. Yeah, the one of the left is much better looking.
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Aww they are so small, I can see an acorn lid next to one. Cutest little deadly hunters evah, heh.
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hahaha. Yup! I've found out that acorns go well alongside small snakes for scale reference. I've never put one in on purpose though.
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Thank you.
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your welcome
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They're definitely better looking as babies as opposed to adults.
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I have a tendency to find Cottonmouths unimpressive in photographs, but you really managed to capture their beauty.
I love how their heads seem to be in the same position. Oh and of course I adore their little yellow tail tips, I think things like that are such incredible feats of adaptation and evolution. Someday I hope to see a snake in the process of using it as a lure while hunting. And I bet you're right about the Cricket Frogs, down in Shawnee they were everywhere (including their tadpoles). They're quick little buggers so lures would definitely be the easiest technique too.
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I've watched copperheads use caudal luring in captivity but I've never caught one in the act of using it in the wild yet. It'll happen though. hha.
The cricket frogs at this spot were everywhere too, as well as bullfrogs, green frogs, green tree frogs, Cope's grey treefrogs, narrowmouth toads, leopard frogs, dwarf American toads, and Fowler's toads.
Back home, we have one native treefrog and one native toad, so it's pretty cool living somewhere where there will be 9 or 10 (spring peepers weren't there but they were found nearby) different species calling from the exact same body of water.
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