Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
(Crotalus atrox)
|
|
|
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) |
Color Photographs: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
|
Crotalus ruber Color deeper and more distinctly red. the distribution of the Red Diamond Rattlesnake is restricted to southwestern California and Baja California and does not overlap the more extensive range of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Crotalus scutatus Usually with more contrasting markings. The head has enlarged scales between the large scales covering each eye (supraoculars). This species also has the white and black rings around the tail, but the black rings are narrower than those of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Identification: Length 30 to 85 inches. Rattles present. The largest western rattlesnake. Color variable from gray to black, light red, to yellow-green. Back with dark blotches in the form of diamonds or other polygons, edged with light scales, and commonly heavily spotted. Face with darker diagonal stripe edged with light stripes. Body markings often obscured by dark dots. Tail heavily banded with black and white. Geographic Variation: None. Range (see map below left): The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has a relatively wide range and is distributed from Arkansas in the east to southeastern California in the west. The species occupies most of the south-central states and extends southward into northern Mexico. Habitat: The Western Diamondback Rattleshake lives is a wide variety of habitats ranging from desert and arid scrubland, to prairie, and into montane pine forest. It is also found in the foliage along rivers and streams. Food: Small mammals, lizards, and birds. Behavior: The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is considered by many to be the most dangerous North American snake. It is aggresive and actively defends intself when distrubed. This species is most nocturnal or crepuscular, but is sometimes seen moving around in the daytime. Reproduction: This species is a live bearer and a female produces between 4 to 22 young per year. The young are borne during the summer and fall.
|
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Similar Species: Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) |
Similar Species |
 |
