Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Description: The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest of the 36 currently recognised species of the genus Crotalus, commonly referred to as rattlesnakes. These are heavy-bodied snakes (pit-vipers) with large broad heads and heavily keeled scales, and the well defined "rattle" forming the tip of the tail..
These snakes are the largest of all North American venomous snakes. Although records show indivividual sepcimens attaining lengths of 2.5m (8.2 ft), these are in fact rare and not well documented and cannot be authenticated.
In 1953 a reward was offered for any specimen brought in measuring over 2.4m (7.8ft). The reward was never claimed.
The average length for these snakes is 1.2m - 1.7m (3.9ft - 5.57ft).
Mature snakes can weigh around 4.5kg (10lbs) although the average weight for these snakes is around2.5kg (5.51lbs).
The colour pattern consists of browns, olive-gray, brownish-yellow, or tan overlaid by a series of diamond-shaped (hence the name) markings (24-35) usually dark brown or black in colour with cream or yellowish borders.
The tail is usually a different shade from the body and the diamond-shapes are replaced by darker bands.
The head is broad and triangular in shape with a dark, almost black, stripe running diagonally through each eye. This postocular stripe is bordered by distinct yellowish or tan stripes.
The eye has a vertical (catlike) pupil.
There is no sexual dimorphism within this species with both the male and female having a similar appearance, although males are generally larger than their female counterparts.
Young eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are similar in appearance to the adults although the "rattle" is not yet developed.
Another distinguishing feature of all rattlesnakes is the large pit located between the eye and the nostril. As with all pit-vipers, these pits are sensitive to infra-red radiation (heat sensitive) and assists the snake in direction finding and locating warm-blooded prey or predators. Venom: The venom is predominantly cytotoxic with haemotoxic properties.
This snake has a high venom yield with a maximum of 850mg-1000mg. The average yield however is between 380mg-450mg.
Between 100mg-150mg is considered to be fatal in humans.
The mortality rate resulting from a bite from this species is around 30%.
Large amounts of antivenom (Crofab) is required in severe envenomations. Distribution: The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is restricted to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. They occur from the southern parts of Northern Carolina to eastern Louisiana. They are more commonly found in Florida and Southern Georgia including the Florida keys. Habitat: The species usually occurs in dry sandy areas, coastal dune forests, dry pine forest, mixed woodlands, palmetto or wiregrass flatwoods, salt marshes, wet prairies, and pinewoods.
Generally eastern diamondback rattlesnakes tend to avoid wet areas although they are adept swimmers and tolerate saltwater. This has allowed the species to colonise islands off the eastern United States coast.
These snakes are the largest of all North American venomous snakes. Although records show indivividual sepcimens attaining lengths of 2.5m (8.2 ft), these are in fact rare and not well documented and cannot be authenticated.
In 1953 a reward was offered for any specimen brought in measuring over 2.4m (7.8ft). The reward was never claimed.
The average length for these snakes is 1.2m - 1.7m (3.9ft - 5.57ft).
Mature snakes can weigh around 4.5kg (10lbs) although the average weight for these snakes is around2.5kg (5.51lbs).
The colour pattern consists of browns, olive-gray, brownish-yellow, or tan overlaid by a series of diamond-shaped (hence the name) markings (24-35) usually dark brown or black in colour with cream or yellowish borders.
The tail is usually a different shade from the body and the diamond-shapes are replaced by darker bands.
The head is broad and triangular in shape with a dark, almost black, stripe running diagonally through each eye. This postocular stripe is bordered by distinct yellowish or tan stripes.
The eye has a vertical (catlike) pupil.
There is no sexual dimorphism within this species with both the male and female having a similar appearance, although males are generally larger than their female counterparts.
Young eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are similar in appearance to the adults although the "rattle" is not yet developed.
Another distinguishing feature of all rattlesnakes is the large pit located between the eye and the nostril. As with all pit-vipers, these pits are sensitive to infra-red radiation (heat sensitive) and assists the snake in direction finding and locating warm-blooded prey or predators. Venom: The venom is predominantly cytotoxic with haemotoxic properties.
This snake has a high venom yield with a maximum of 850mg-1000mg. The average yield however is between 380mg-450mg.
Between 100mg-150mg is considered to be fatal in humans.
The mortality rate resulting from a bite from this species is around 30%.
Large amounts of antivenom (Crofab) is required in severe envenomations. Distribution: The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is restricted to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States. They occur from the southern parts of Northern Carolina to eastern Louisiana. They are more commonly found in Florida and Southern Georgia including the Florida keys. Habitat: The species usually occurs in dry sandy areas, coastal dune forests, dry pine forest, mixed woodlands, palmetto or wiregrass flatwoods, salt marshes, wet prairies, and pinewoods.
Generally eastern diamondback rattlesnakes tend to avoid wet areas although they are adept swimmers and tolerate saltwater. This has allowed the species to colonise islands off the eastern United States coast.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Adaptations
Western diamondbacks are pit vipers. This means that they have a heat sensing pit (loreal pit) located behind each nostril that can detect differences in temperature, sometimes differences that are only a fraction of a degree apart. The heat given off by an animal is detected by the snake helping it to determine predator from prey.
Habitat
This snake is considered a generalist, which means that it isn't too picky about its habitat. It can be found living in deserts, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides and areas along the coast. It lives in elevations from below sea level up to 6500 feet (2000m).
Range
This species ranges throughout the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)and northern half of Mexico.
Wild Status
Currently, western diamondback rattlesnakes are not threatened or endangered.
Diet
Mice, rats, rabbits, gophers, ground dwelling birds, lizards and other small animals make up the diet of this snake.
Predators
Diamondbacks have many predators and not always because the predator wants to eat them. Animals such as deer, antelope, cows and horses regard the diamondback as a threat and they may try to trample or stomp the snake. Eagles, hawks, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyote, bobcats or fox are predators who look at these snakes as a source of food.
Home
Diamondbacks will often spend the hot daytime hours coiled in the shade of low-growing shrubs, piles of natural or artificial debris, or rocks. They will also utilize underground burrows of other animals. In the winter, they retreat into caves or similar places to hibernate.
Life Span
These snakes can live approximately 15-20 years in captivity.
Size
This snake ranges in size from 3 to 5 feet long with a few reaching 7 feet long.
Western diamondbacks are pit vipers. This means that they have a heat sensing pit (loreal pit) located behind each nostril that can detect differences in temperature, sometimes differences that are only a fraction of a degree apart. The heat given off by an animal is detected by the snake helping it to determine predator from prey.
Habitat
This snake is considered a generalist, which means that it isn't too picky about its habitat. It can be found living in deserts, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides and areas along the coast. It lives in elevations from below sea level up to 6500 feet (2000m).
Range
This species ranges throughout the southwestern United States (Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas)and northern half of Mexico.
Wild Status
Currently, western diamondback rattlesnakes are not threatened or endangered.
Diet
Mice, rats, rabbits, gophers, ground dwelling birds, lizards and other small animals make up the diet of this snake.
Predators
Diamondbacks have many predators and not always because the predator wants to eat them. Animals such as deer, antelope, cows and horses regard the diamondback as a threat and they may try to trample or stomp the snake. Eagles, hawks, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyote, bobcats or fox are predators who look at these snakes as a source of food.
Home
Diamondbacks will often spend the hot daytime hours coiled in the shade of low-growing shrubs, piles of natural or artificial debris, or rocks. They will also utilize underground burrows of other animals. In the winter, they retreat into caves or similar places to hibernate.
Life Span
These snakes can live approximately 15-20 years in captivity.
Size
This snake ranges in size from 3 to 5 feet long with a few reaching 7 feet long.
Malabar Pit Viper
Scale Count: Dorsal scale rows number 21 or 19 at mid body, weakly keeled. Ventral scales in the males number 143-158 and females 136-159. Anal scale entire. Subcaudals paired and numbering 50-63 in males, 44-54 in females. Internasals large and usually touching. There are 9 or 10 supralabials, the first completely separated from the nasal. There is a single row of scales between supralabials and elongate subocular. The temporal scales are smooth or obliquely keeled.
Venom: Slow but capable of fast strikes. Venom causes moderate pain and swelling to humans and subsides in a day or two
Nature: They are nocturnal and usually inactive in the day, sometimes seen basking on rocks or trees near streams
Distribution: Found in southern and western India at 600-2,000 m elevation
Venom: Slow but capable of fast strikes. Venom causes moderate pain and swelling to humans and subsides in a day or two
Nature: They are nocturnal and usually inactive in the day, sometimes seen basking on rocks or trees near streams
Distribution: Found in southern and western India at 600-2,000 m elevation
Taipan
There are three known species: the coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), the inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) and a recently discovered third species, the central ranges taipan. The coastal taipan has two subspecies: the coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus scutellatus), found along the north-eastern coast of Queensland and the Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus canni), found on the southern coast of New guinea. Their diet consists primarily of small mammals, especially rats and bandicoots.
Mojave Rattlesnake
Keep your distance! This is the bad boy of the Desert. The Mojave Rattle Snake is a common snake in Hudspeth County. It is a VERY dangerous Rattle Snake as it is VERY irritable and has a highly potent Neurotoxin. It causes more respiratory distress than that of any other North American Rattler. The venom of this species is so well know amongst herpetologist that it has even been given its own name; "mojavetoxin". Some studies have indicated that the toxins in the Texas Mojaves aren't as Neurotoxic as the ones in the western populations. Other studies have found little difference. They are difficult to distinguish from the Western Diamondback Rattler (C. Atrox) if not familiar with both species. Although I have found Mojave's that have been somewhat docile, the majority of them have been very excitable. Whereas some rattlers will lie completely still when first located in the hopes of not being seen, it seems to me that Mojave Rattlers rely more on pure attitude to deter would be predators. Like most Mojave rattlers that I have found, this one was very aggressive and did not hesitate to strike. As you can see in the first thumbnail, when they are laying under a bush in the shade, their camouflage works well. Click on any of the thumbnails below for an enlarged version.
Monocled Cobra
Range: Asia
Habitat: Grasslands and lightly forested areas. Human farming areas.
Natural Diet: Small mammals, birds, snakes, and occasional lizard.
Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents
Size: 5-7 feet
Rain Forest Facts: This species of Cobra is often found near human habitation due to its preference for rodents. Human farming and food storage has brought this species into close contact with native people.
Many bites from this species of cobra occur to humans. The primary reason for the great number of human contact incidents is the habit of this snake frequenting developed areas in search of a meal. Primarily nocturnal, this snake can often be found searching for a meal after sundown.
All cobras are egg layers; this species generally produces one clutch of eggs per year. On rare occasion, two clutches are laid. A suitable nesting site is selected by the female; who abandons the eggs once they are laid. The average time of incubation is 60-70 days. Temperature can play a large roll in the length of the incubation.
Status in Wild: Not threatened, populations declining in developed residential areas.
Habitat: Grasslands and lightly forested areas. Human farming areas.
Natural Diet: Small mammals, birds, snakes, and occasional lizard.
Diet at Rain Forest: Pre-killed rodents
Size: 5-7 feet
Rain Forest Facts: This species of Cobra is often found near human habitation due to its preference for rodents. Human farming and food storage has brought this species into close contact with native people.
Many bites from this species of cobra occur to humans. The primary reason for the great number of human contact incidents is the habit of this snake frequenting developed areas in search of a meal. Primarily nocturnal, this snake can often be found searching for a meal after sundown.
All cobras are egg layers; this species generally produces one clutch of eggs per year. On rare occasion, two clutches are laid. A suitable nesting site is selected by the female; who abandons the eggs once they are laid. The average time of incubation is 60-70 days. Temperature can play a large roll in the length of the incubation.
Status in Wild: Not threatened, populations declining in developed residential areas.
Asp Viper
Inside the Iberian Peninsula the Asp viper is found in the northeast of Spain; it occupies the entire Pyrenees and the pre-Pyrenees, reaching the province of Burgos and the north of Soria to the west. In the rest of Europe it is distributed more or less continuously through France, Italy, Switzerland and the extreme southwest of Germany.
Description: With up to 80 cm (31,5 inch) of maximum body length Vipera aspis is the largest of the three viper species which inhabit the Iberian Peninsula. However, the average size is between 60 and 65 cm (23-26 inch). The head is triangular shaped and the snout is slightly upturned, although not as prominent as inVipera latastei.
A postocular stripe is present, more noticeable in males. The pupil is elliptical and is always kept in a vertical position. Generally the males are grey in colour while the females are grey or brown.
Biology: The more alpine populations tolerate lower temperatures, however their activity period is reduced to just five or six months during the year. Specimens which inhabit lower altitude zones have an activity period of seven or eight months. This species shows a marked diurnal activity. In general terms Vipera aspis shows greater activity patterns than Vipera latastei, and it is also more abundant; the number of specimens per square kilometre in a given population is considerably greater in Vipera aspis.
Feeding: The Asp viper is a diurnal predator which lies in wait for prey. It uses its venomous apparatus to kill the prey. Adult specimens feed primarily on rodents, completing their diet with lizards and small birds. It normally takes about a week to digest an item prey, and in the wild they will feed every three or four weeks. Juveniles feed almost exclusively on lizards.
Reproduction: Females usually have a biannual reproductive cycle. The copulations occur between April and May, several weeks after hibernation.
The gestation period lasts between three to four months and birth takes place by the end of August or the beginning of September.
An average of 6 or 7 perfectly formed baby vipers are born which will realize their first shedding shortly after birth. A few days later the young will start feeding.
Venom: Even though an adult healthy human being can overcome an Asp viper bite without too many complications, certain kind of people such as children and elderly or unhealthy persons may suffer serious complications which could be fatal. Hence, a bite should always be monitored by a doctor and treated in a hospital.
Vipera aspis venom registers an LD50* of 4,6 to 20,1 mg (Duguy and Saint-Girons, 1970; Saint-Girons et al., 1983). The lower values correspond to Vipera aspis zinnikeri which means it is the subspecies with the most toxic venom, thus making it the most dangerous viper in the Iberian Peninsula.
• LD50: (Lethal Dose 50% or median lethal dose) is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested population (laboratory mice) after a specified test duration. Expressed in milligrams, it indicates the degree of toxicity of a venom; lower values of LD50 indicate a higher toxicity.
Subspecies: Currently there are two subspecies of asp viper recognized in the Iberian Peninsula; Vipera aspis aspis and Vipera aspis zinnikeri. Some authors have suggested the possibility of classifying Vipera aspis zinnikeri as a separate species.
Description: With up to 80 cm (31,5 inch) of maximum body length Vipera aspis is the largest of the three viper species which inhabit the Iberian Peninsula. However, the average size is between 60 and 65 cm (23-26 inch). The head is triangular shaped and the snout is slightly upturned, although not as prominent as inVipera latastei.
A postocular stripe is present, more noticeable in males. The pupil is elliptical and is always kept in a vertical position. Generally the males are grey in colour while the females are grey or brown.
Biology: The more alpine populations tolerate lower temperatures, however their activity period is reduced to just five or six months during the year. Specimens which inhabit lower altitude zones have an activity period of seven or eight months. This species shows a marked diurnal activity. In general terms Vipera aspis shows greater activity patterns than Vipera latastei, and it is also more abundant; the number of specimens per square kilometre in a given population is considerably greater in Vipera aspis.
Feeding: The Asp viper is a diurnal predator which lies in wait for prey. It uses its venomous apparatus to kill the prey. Adult specimens feed primarily on rodents, completing their diet with lizards and small birds. It normally takes about a week to digest an item prey, and in the wild they will feed every three or four weeks. Juveniles feed almost exclusively on lizards.
Reproduction: Females usually have a biannual reproductive cycle. The copulations occur between April and May, several weeks after hibernation.
The gestation period lasts between three to four months and birth takes place by the end of August or the beginning of September.
An average of 6 or 7 perfectly formed baby vipers are born which will realize their first shedding shortly after birth. A few days later the young will start feeding.
Venom: Even though an adult healthy human being can overcome an Asp viper bite without too many complications, certain kind of people such as children and elderly or unhealthy persons may suffer serious complications which could be fatal. Hence, a bite should always be monitored by a doctor and treated in a hospital.
Vipera aspis venom registers an LD50* of 4,6 to 20,1 mg (Duguy and Saint-Girons, 1970; Saint-Girons et al., 1983). The lower values correspond to Vipera aspis zinnikeri which means it is the subspecies with the most toxic venom, thus making it the most dangerous viper in the Iberian Peninsula.
• LD50: (Lethal Dose 50% or median lethal dose) is the dose required to kill half the members of a tested population (laboratory mice) after a specified test duration. Expressed in milligrams, it indicates the degree of toxicity of a venom; lower values of LD50 indicate a higher toxicity.
Subspecies: Currently there are two subspecies of asp viper recognized in the Iberian Peninsula; Vipera aspis aspis and Vipera aspis zinnikeri. Some authors have suggested the possibility of classifying Vipera aspis zinnikeri as a separate species.
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Range:The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake is found throughout the state of Florida. The species extends north to eastern North Carolina and west to eastern Texas and southern Missouri.
Habitat:This snake is at home in virtually all types of terrain. In dry habitats, it often lives in gopher tortoise burrows.
Size/Description/Coloration:“Pygmy” implies small. Adults measure only 15 to 22 inches and the record length is only 31.5 inches. Other common names for the pygmy rattlesnake are “pygmy rattler” and “ground rattler.” Their ground color is light gray to dark gray with irregular black blotches. There is also a series of reddish brown to orange blotches running down the back that may be more distinct near the head. On some specimens, these spots may be very muted.
The pupil is vertical (catlike) and there is a deep facial pit between the nostril and the eye.
This snake is a pit viper and although the pygmy’s bite is typically not fatal, it has a predominantly hemotoxic that can be extremely painful. In some cases, it can cause serious local tissue damage as well as nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
On small specimens, the rattles are very hard to see and hear. At best, these rattles, if not dampened by dew or rain; can sound like a buzzing insect.
Reproduction:Females are viviparous (retain egg sacs internally), the young hatch and give the appearance of live birth. The young have no parental care
Habitat:This snake is at home in virtually all types of terrain. In dry habitats, it often lives in gopher tortoise burrows.
Size/Description/Coloration:“Pygmy” implies small. Adults measure only 15 to 22 inches and the record length is only 31.5 inches. Other common names for the pygmy rattlesnake are “pygmy rattler” and “ground rattler.” Their ground color is light gray to dark gray with irregular black blotches. There is also a series of reddish brown to orange blotches running down the back that may be more distinct near the head. On some specimens, these spots may be very muted.
The pupil is vertical (catlike) and there is a deep facial pit between the nostril and the eye.
This snake is a pit viper and although the pygmy’s bite is typically not fatal, it has a predominantly hemotoxic that can be extremely painful. In some cases, it can cause serious local tissue damage as well as nausea, vomiting and vertigo.
On small specimens, the rattles are very hard to see and hear. At best, these rattles, if not dampened by dew or rain; can sound like a buzzing insect.
Reproduction:Females are viviparous (retain egg sacs internally), the young hatch and give the appearance of live birth. The young have no parental care