Crotalus basiliscus

(Cope, 1864)

Vernacular names
English : Mexican west-coast rattlesnake
French : Crotale vert mexicain

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

Identification
One of the biggest rattlesnakes with a record length of 2 m and a normal length around 1.50 m. Stout body with a slightly rectangular cross-section. Strongly keeled scales. Coloration dull beige to greenish-brown with fading diamond-shaped markings on back.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to Mexico and occurs on the west coast of the country from southern Sonora to Michoacan. Lives in coastal plains, mostly in tropical thorn forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly small range but seems to be relatively common, at least locally. Not thought to be under any imminent threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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