What is Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus Viridis Nuntius)?

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Subphylum: Vertebrata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Suborder: Serpentes
• Family: Viperidae
• Subfamily: Crotalinae
• Genus: Crotalus
• Species: Crotalus viridis
• Scientific Name: Crotalus viridis nuntius

The Hopi rattlesnake is a venomous subspecies of pit viper that to Arizona, but is also found in northwestern New Mexico. This subspecies is secretive and nocturnal and spends its days in caves or crevices in the rocks of other animals to escape the desert heat.

Characteristics

Hopi rattlesnake can grow up to 23.8in (60cm). Like other rattlesnakes, their eyes have vertical pupils and rattles on their tails.

Their color is usually pink, gray, or orange-brown, reflecting the color of the soil and rock in their natural camouflage range, with dark brown spots on the back. Like other rattlesnakes, their eyes have vertical pupils and rattles on their tails.

Behavior

The Hopi rattlesnakes are usually nocturnal and secretive, spending the day in crevices in rocks or burrows of other animals to escape the desert heat, coming out in the early morning to prey on rodents, birds, lizards and sometimes frogs.

Venom

Although not typically aggressive, the Hopi rattlesnakes will usually curl and rattle their tails when disturbed, and will attack only if disturbed or handles. Their venom is mainly hemotoxic and can cause swelling and necrosis, but many species of C. viridis are also known to have powerful neurotoxic effects, causing muscle paralysis and possibly respiratory failure. They are capable of producing what is known as a "dry bite," which is not injected with venom at all, but if bitten by any venomous snake, it should be considered serious and sought immediate treatment.

Reproduction

The Hopi rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous and breed in the spring, giving birth to between four to six young in early fall. The young snakes are almost the same color as the adults and are about 7.5 inches (190 mm) long. Juveniles are usually more nervous than adults, and if harassed, they tend to attack repeatedly. They reach maturity between two and three years of age.