Is it loggerhead?

Ah, no, it’s copperhead. Isn’t it?

Gutless woman rebuffed life experience demographic, right about no photo finish (9)

No…

Gutless woman rebuffed life experience demographic, right about no photo finish (9)

_ _ _ a _ _ _ e _

The way you solve this is important.

There’s a charade from which a particular letter is to be removed.

There’s a Latin reference to get.

There’s a population to find.

The picture should become clear after that.

Gutless woman rebuffed life experience demographic, right about no photo finish (9)

_ e _ a _ _ _ e _

There are two “reversal” indicators. One applies to one clue; the other applies to two clues. Both are situated after the clue/s to which they apply.

There is a middle letter deletion indicator.