Prairie Rattlesnake(Pit Viper) - Crotalusviridis

Prairie Rattlesnake(Pit Viper)

Fast Facts: Prairie rattlesnake

Species name: Crotalus viridis viridis
Average length: 89 cm to 114 cm
Life expectancy: 16-20 years

Did you know?

The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the Canadian prairies.

Physiology

The Prairie Rattlesnake is a speciesof venomous pit vipers that are found in parts of Canada, Mexico and USA. They have two subspecies.

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Subphylum	Vertebrata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Serpentes
Family	Viperidae
Subfamily	Crotalinae
Genus	Crotalus
Species	C. viridis
Scientific Name	Crotalusviridis

Description

This species commonly grows to more than 100 cm (3.3 ft) in length. The maximum recorded size is 151.5 cm (4.97 ft). In Montana, specimens occasionally exceed 120 centimetres (3.9 ft) in length; the species reaches its maximum size in this region. One of the most characteristic features is the presence of three or more, usually four, internasal scales.

Coloration: Lightly coloration in hues of brown with patches of dark brown often spread across the body in a dorsal pattern.

Distribution

Native to western United States, southwestern Canada, and northern Mexico

Habitat

Dry areas with moderate vegetation coverage, rocky areas with outcrops, burrows of other animals

Diet

Ground squirrels, ground nesting birds, mice, rats, small rabbits and prairie dogs; also amphibians and reptiles, and sometimes even other snakes

Venom Fact

Venomous

Breeding Season

Spring

Clutch Size

1-25 depending upon the size of the female

Mode of Reproduction

Viviparous (gives birth to live young)

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern