How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

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BethH
Posts: 115
Joined: May 12th, 2013, 6:47 pm

How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by BethH »

Hi, I looked this up online, but I really want a trustworthy answer, and I figure I’ll get it here. My niece had a copperhead visitor outside her house. It had the characteristic yellow/green tail. How old does a copperhead get when the tail color fades? Thank you for your help.

Beth
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Kelly Mc
Posts: 4529
Joined: October 18th, 2011, 1:03 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by Kelly Mc »

It depends on shed rate = depends on physical development per dietary and temperature influences.

I had Missouri contortrix what looked like well started WC H, dosing needle fed gerbers turkey&supplement. 4 months and only one shed event before placement with Steinhart Aquarium, with cool green caudals still vivid after that shed.
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Kelly Mc
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Joined: October 18th, 2011, 1:03 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by Kelly Mc »

I bet the guys at the kentucky reptile zoo would have the most precise data for your question.

I dont know how a found animal could be accurately aged. Mine were assumed current yoy and it was quite a long time ago.
BethH
Posts: 115
Joined: May 12th, 2013, 6:47 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by BethH »

Thank you for your answer Kelly Mc. I appreciate it. Beth
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Jeff
Posts: 620
Joined: June 11th, 2010, 6:01 am
Location: Louisiana

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by Jeff »

Yesterday I found a near-neonate, perhaps a couple of months old based on size, that already had a dull green tail. On the other hand, I have seen juveniles of about the same size in late spring with yellow tails (they being born late-summer/early-fall) in Louisiana. Yesterday I also saw a neonate cottonmouth with a bright yellow tail in contrast to its congener.
Jeff
BethH
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Joined: May 12th, 2013, 6:47 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by BethH »

Thank you, Jeff.
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Kelly Mc
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Joined: October 18th, 2011, 1:03 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by Kelly Mc »

Hi Beth, im with you - pattern changes and tails are interesting.

Whether they are related as in your query, or separate.
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Kelly Mc
Posts: 4529
Joined: October 18th, 2011, 1:03 pm

Re: How long does a copperhead have a yellow tail?

Post by Kelly Mc »

I think Ive observed a behavioral kinetic that slipped under the.. what, radar? of .."Zonata Experts"

Including those who have written book/s on the subject.

They didnt notice.

I actually have photos of the augmented structure that, I surmise, evolved as an adaptation to rock/boulder proprioception.
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