Crotalus ornatus

(Hallowell, 1854)

Vernacular names
English : Ornate black-tailed rattlesnake
French : Crotale orné

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

Identification
Adults can reach a length of 1.30 m. Heavy-bodied species with a large head, looking very similar to C. molossus. Differentiated by the grey ground color and the net-like pattern of black and white spots on neck and first part of body.

Range and habitat
The species is found in North America, in central and south-western Texas near the Brazos River, and in the Chihuahua state of Mexico. Lives in arid and semi-arid grasslands, open woodlands and scrublands, to 2900 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN (as C. molossus)
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has yet to be assessed on its own. It has a fairly small range and could suffer from persecution and collection for the trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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