Rattlesnake
The rattlesnake is a kind of snake, a reptile. About 50 species of rattlesnakes are known: they are a kind of pit viper.
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| Crotalus cerastes | |
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There are two groups of rattlesnakes: the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus. All have a venomous bite, and some are much more dangerous than others. Pit vipers have a set of heat-sensing "pits" on their heads which help them find prey and move towards it, even in the dark.
The name rattlesnake is used because they have a special tail with several parts on the end that can make a loud bzzzz sound, or rattle. This defends them against predators and large animals. It acts as a warning signal.
Rattlesnakes are native to the Americas from southwest Canada to central Argentina. They usually live in dry areas. They eat small animals such as birds and rodents.
When they are young, many are eaten by birds. When they are adult, they have a particular enemy: the common kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, a colubrid snake.
Rattlesnake Media
Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), responsible for the majority of venomous snakebites in North America, coiled in defensive posture with rattle erect
Heat-sensing pits located in blue circle on a rattlesnake specimen: Location of the pit is the same in all Viperidae.
1. Trigeminal nerve extending into the heat-sensing pit 2. Trigeminal nerve originating in the brain 3. Heat-sensing pit
Skull of a rattlesnake, unknown species, probably atrox
Rattlesnake rattler with centimeter scale
Diagram of the components of the rattle of a rattlesnake from 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica.
Video of a timber rattlesnake shaking its rattle
Two male northern Pacific rattlesnakes (C. oreganus oreganus) engage in a "combat dance"
A rattlesnake warning sign in California
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Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Sidewinder rattlesnake.
Northern black-tailed rattlesnake.
