What color is typically found on the underside of an Eastern Cottonmouth's body?

The typical color found on the underside of an Eastern Cottonmouth's body is yellowish-white. This distinct coloration serves several purposes. Firstly, it helps in camouflage when the snake is submerged in water, as it can blend with the lighter hues of the sandy or muddy bottoms of its habitat. Additionally, the lighter coloration can reflect sunlight, helping the snake regulate its body temperature as it basks in the sun. Eastern Cottonmouths, known for their defensive behavior and their characteristic open-mouthed threat display, also have darker scales on their backs, providing a stark contrast to their lighter bellies. This belly color is an identifying characteristic and helps differentiate them from other similar species in their environment.