Adults of A. taylori usually attain a total length (including tail) of 64–90 cm (25+1⁄4–35+3⁄8in), with some growing to 96 cm (37+3⁄4in). The species has a heavy body and a relatively long tail: 16-19% of total body length in males and 13-18% in females.[7]
A. taylori is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCNRed List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001).[1] Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is unknown. Year assessed: 2007.[8]
Feeding
A. taylori feeds primarily on rodents and amphibians. Juveniles are known to employ the yellowish tip of their tail as a lure to attract small insectivorous vertebrates. The yellowish tip fades as the animals mature, as does this behavior.
Because of its attractive coloration and relatively small size, examples of A. taylori are somewhat popular in the exotic pet trade, with captive bred individuals occasionally being available. The care requirements are fairly basic, similar to A. contortrix. This species of snake is, however, not for the inexperienced keeper. The venom of A. taylori is significantly stronger than that of A. contortrix and can cause severe tissue damage and even death if untreated. Dry bites are seldom reported, and A. taylori may strike repeatedly.
^ ab"Agkistrodon taylori ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
^ abGloyd HK, Conant R (1990). Snakes of the Agkistrodon Complex: A Monographic Review. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. 614 pp. 52 plates. LCCN 89-50342. ISBN0-916984-20-6.
^Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN978-1-4214-0135-5. (Agkistrodon bilineatus taylori, p. 261).
^Campbell JA, Lamar WW (2004). The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN0-8014-4141-2.
Burger WL, Robertson WB (1951). "A New Subspecies of the Mexican Moccasin, Agkistrodon bilineatus ". University of Kansas Science Bulletin34 (1): 213-218. (Agkistrodon bilineatus taylori, new subspecies).
Parkinson CL, Zamudio KR, Greene HW (2000). "Phylogeography of the pitviper clade Agkistrodon: historical ecology, species status, and conservation of the cantils". Molecular Ecology9: 411-420.