Crotalus molossus molossus

(Baird & Girard, 1853)

Vernacular names
English : Black-tailed rattlesnake
French : Crotale à queue noire

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults grow to 90 cm with record length around 1.29 m. Black tail. Keeled scales, large head with dark to black forehead. Coloration usually sandy-beige with large diamond shaped black markings with clear centers for this subspecies.

Range and habitat
The species is found in North America, from western Texas to the border of California, south to Central Mexico. This subspecies is found north of the range. Lives in arid and semi-arid grasslands, open woodlands and scrublands, to 2930 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly wide range and remains relatively common despite local persecution and catching for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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