Crotalus viridis viridis

(Rafinesque, 1818)

Vernacular names
English : Prairie rattlesnake
French : Crotale des prairies

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known. The validity of the two subspecies is discussed.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 1.50 m but are usually much smaller. Large triangular head with raised ocular scales. Coloration is beige to olive-brown with dark round blotches edged with white. Tail usually darker than body.

Range and habitat
The species is found in North America, from south-west Canada to west USA, east to Texas, south to North-west Mexico. Other subspecies endemic to northeast Arizona. Lives in prairies, arid valleys, montane woodlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and remains locally common. Some populations are declining because of persecution and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “Vipers, Pitvipers and relatives” page