Crotalus atrox

(Baird & Girard, 1853)

Vernacular names
English : Western diamondback rattlesnake
French : Crotale diamantin de l’ouest

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 2.34 m for a weight up to 10 kg. Heavy-bodied with large triangular head. Strongly keeled scales. Coloration from grey to brown with white and black diamond-shaped markings. Black and white tail bands.

Range and habitat
The species is found in North America, from Arkansas to Texas, east to eastern California. Also occurs south to eastern-central Mexico. Lives in arid and semi arid regions, from grasslands and mountains to deserts.

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

Observation

 

Back to “Vipers, Pitvipers and relatives” page