Green rattler, Northern black-tailed rattlesnake, Black-tailed rattlesnake
The black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus ) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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TorporTorpor is a state of decreased physiological activity in an animal, usually marked by a reduced body temperature and metabolic rate. Torpor enables...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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MonogamyMonogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. This pair may cohabitate in an area or territory for...
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VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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Generally solitaryGenerally solitary animals are those animals that spend their time separately but will gather at foraging areas or sleep in the same location or sh...
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HibernatingHibernation is a state of minimal activity and metabolic depression undergone by some animal species. Hibernation is a seasonal heterothermy charac...
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AestivationAestivation is a state of animal dormancy, similar to hibernation, although taking place in the summer rather than the winter. Aestivation is chara...
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starts withThe Black-tailed rattlesnake is a medium-sized venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They range in color from yellows and olive greens to browns and black. As their name implies, one of their most distinguishing features is, despite variations in body color, entirely black tail scales. Often, these rattlesnakes have a black band across their eyes extending diagonally down to the corners of their mouth, forming a sort of facial 'mask'. Like other rattlesnakes, they have a rattle composed of keratin on the end of their tail. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle which is fairly fragile and can easily be broken.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes occur in the southwestern United States in Arizona, New Mexico, and west and central Texas, and Mexico as far south as Oaxaca. They are also found in the Gulf of California on San Estéban and Tiburón Islands. These snakes are primarily terrestrial and inhabit grasslands, savannahs, desert areas, rocky and mountainous areas, as well as high-altitude forested habitats.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are generally solitary creatures. Their behavior varies over the course of a year. In the spring and fall, they are primarily diurnal. In the summer, they shift to a nocturnal behavior, to avoid the heat of summer. In the winter, Black-tailed rattlesnakes hibernate in dens created and abandoned by other animals, often with other species of snakes. They are variable in their form of locomotion depending on what substrate they need to traverse and will actively change between sidewinding or rectilinear movement. Although these snakes spend most of their time on the ground, they are also very good climbers and expert swimmers. Black-tailed rattlesnakes are considered to be one of the most docile rattlesnakes because of their calm demeanor and curious nature. Bites are accordingly fairly rare. These snakes rely mostly on camouflage to avoid discovery. They normally try to slither away when confronted but will rattle when cornered.
The venom of the C. molossus is primarily hemotoxic, like that of most crotalids. However, it is only about two-thirds as toxic as western diamondback venom and is generally not fatal to humans. CroFab antivenom is often used to treat bites.
Crotalus molossus has larger venom glands than most rattlesnakes in its region. Because its venom is less toxic than that of most other crotalids, it needs to inject large quantities into its prey to be effective.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are carnivores and feed on rodents, other small mammals, birds, and small reptiles.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are considered to be monogamous. They breed in the spring when males follow the pheromone trails of the females. During the breeding season, only one male mates with a female and then stays near her for several days guarding against other males. The female gives birth to 4-12 live young in the summer. Baby rattlesnakes are born around 27 cm (10.5 in) in length and stay with the mother only until they wander off on their own, usually in less than a day or two. Young Black-tailed rattlesnakes become reproductively mature when they are 3 to 5 years old.
There are no major threats facing Black-tailed rattlesnakes at present.
According to IUCN, the Black-tailed rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are important for their ecosystem as they control populations of pests. These snakes feed on rodents, such as mice, rats, and rabbits that may destroy crops and vegetation.
