Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus molossus
The average length of the Western black-tailed rattlesnake is 30-42 inches in length with the females larger than the makes. The skin color of this species ranges from ye…
How to identify
The average length of the Western black-tailed rattlesnake is 30-42 inches in length with the females larger than the makes. The skin color of this species ranges from yellow and olive green to brown and black. The distinguishing feature of Crotalus molossus is its entirely black tail scales. Presence of black band which appears across its eyes and extends diagonally down to the corners of its mouth.
Range
This species is found in the Southern United States that includes Arizona, Western and central Texas, New Mexico, and Onxaca in Mexico.
Habitat
The Western black-tailed rattlesnake can be found in terrestial grasslands, desert areas and high-altitude forested habitats. Crotalus molossus are Carnivorous, feeding on rodents, small mammals, birds, small reptiles. Breeding ocurs in the spring with copulation lasting for hours and ocvirs multiple times over a period of days. A litter layes can be 10-12 young ones but usually an average of 4-6.
Variations
Crotalus molossus molossus has a dark brown color with irregular patterns that are zip-like in nature running through from its head through to its tail. The patterns are darker brown in color.
Similar species
Crotalus atrox or Western diamondback rattlesnake has dorsal blotches on its body that range from dark gray to Brown in color. Some of the first few blotches are rectangular in shape and then become hexagonal as they extend backwards and eventually take on a distinct diamond shape Sistrurus miliarius or pygmy rattlesnake has 23 rows of dorsal scales pattern which are series of oval or subcircular spots with reasonably regular edges. The spots on the flanks are mostly round. Crotalus adamanteus or eastern diamondback rattlesnake has a skin color pattern of brownish-yellow or brownish-yellow that is overlaid with dark brown or black diamonds. Each of the series of 24-35 diamond-shaped blotches is outlined with a row off yellowish or cream scales. Crotalus Cerberus has rectangular blotches on it's anterior and subhexagonal ones posteriorly and the blotches become crossbands just before the tail. The crossbands may be yellow or cream, white transverse rows of scales.
Name and etymology
Molossus: Latin for mastiff or hound.
At a glance
Size
71.1 to 125 cm
Range
This species is found in the Southern United States that includes Arizona, Western and central Texas, New Mexico, and Onxaca…
Habitat
The Western black-tailed rattlesnake can be found in terrestial grasslands, desert areas and high-altitude forested habitats.…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap