The rattle of Western diamondbacks is made up of keratin. This ground color is overlaid dorsally with a series of dorsal body blotches that are dark gray-brown to brown in color. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_diamondback_rattlesnake, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64311/12763519. A more common size for this species is 120cm (4ft) long. Very few of the young will survive their first winter due to cold, lack of food and predation. These may begin as rectangles that slowly become rectangular and then morph into the namesake diamonds. One quick bite delivers a deadly amount of venom. Western diamondback rattlesnakes are preyed upon by hawks, eagles, roadrunners, kingsnakes, coyote, bobcats, foxes and other snakes. Occasionally, the snake loses its teeth when it strikes. The western diamondback rattlesnake has a reputation for being the most aggressive rattlesnake. The rattle is formed when they moult as a result of their last few segments of scales not coming off. 1. Snakes engage in their own version of hibernation known as a brumation where metabolic rate and activity decline. The western diamondback rattlesnake is the second-largest rattlesnake, and the species responsible for the highest annual number of snake bites (but not fatalities) in the United States. All Rights Reserved. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on Wikipedia -, 2. Members of this subfamily are known as ‘pit vipers’ on behalf of the special heat-sensing ‘pit organ’ located between the eye and nostril on either side of the face. They stay with the mother for only a few hours before they set off on their own to hunt and find cover. Animals such as prairie dogs, rats, mice, chipmunks, voles, gophers, ground squirrels, and rabbits make up around 95% of the snake’s diet. The snake may occasionally also consume birds, lizards, amphibians, fish, and even invertebrates such as grasshoppers. The Western diamondback rattlesnake is a medium-sized venomous snake found in Northern America. Over summer when the days are warm they are nocturnal. Their distinctive rattle can be found at the end of their tail. If threatened they will attempt to use their rattle to scare away predators so that they can save up their venom. The snake is able to live off of stored fat reserves when prey is unavailable and is able to survive for up to two years without eating.. During such times the snake’s metabolism slows down dramatically. A brood typically consists of 8 to 10 young, although broods of up to 25 young are known. Although the species’ venom is less toxic than that of many other rattlesnakes, it is delivered in higher quantities per bite. They may also use abandoned mines or old burrows of small mammals as a hiding place. A group of rattlesnakes is usually called rhumba. They feed on small mammals such as chipmunks, prairie dogs, voles, woodrats, rabbits, ground squirrels and also birds, lizards, and even fish. In turn, they are preyed upon by a variety of larger mammals and birds, such as coyotes, foxes, hawks, and owls. These sit behind the diamond shaped blotches which are coloured dark-gray to brown. Frost, D.R., Hammerson, G.A. Food is consumed once every two to three weeks. The snake’s undersides are off-white and unmarked. The rattle on this snake may move back and forth up to 60 times in just one second. Lizards are the predominant food source of young rattlesnakes. According to IUCN, the Western diamondback rattlesnake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Brumation is carried out in a shelter such as a cave, rock crevice or animal burrow. 165 days after a successful mating the young are born. (The western diamondback comes a close second.). The western diamondback rattlesnake is solitary outside of the mating season. The snakelets are fully-developed and capable of delivering a venomous bite from the moment they are born. The species has also been sighted on a number of islands in the Gulf of California. Key participants in the food chain, Western diamondbacks are important predators of many small rodents, rabbits, and birds. North America is the native home of the Western diamondback rattlesnake. They are bordered by sandy-yellow lines. They are viviparous meaning that females give birth to live young. After just a couple of hours the young are off on their own to search for food and shelter. During this time male rattlesnakes engage in ritualized fighting. When threatened, they usually coil and rattle to warn aggressors. Located at the tip of the tail is the snake’s rattle: a row of pale-brown, hardened, hollow scales. There are approximately 24 … -Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have heat sensing pits in their faces that help them find their warm blooded prey even in the dark.-The average length of an adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is 4 to 6 feet.-Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been know to swim through water or climb a short distance into a tree when necessary to pursue prey. Harbor Seal Facts, Pictures, Video & In-Depth Information. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64311A12763519.en. They weigh between 1.8 and 2.7kg (4-6lbs). The Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a heavy bodied snake with a triangular shaped head. ActiveWild.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon stores.
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