Crotalus molossus

Black-tailed Rattlesnake ( Crotalus molossus )

The black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus ) is a species of rattlesnakes (Crotalus ), which can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and much of central Mexico.

Features

The black-tailed rattlesnake is a comparatively large rattlesnake with an average body length of about one meter.

In its body coloration varies the nature relatively strong. Possible base colorings are gray, olive green, yellow, rusty brown or cream colored. The color pattern consists of large dark brown or black spots on the back, which are outlined in white in the rule. The name derives from the characteristic black tail of the animals, as well as most individuals have a distinct black face mask that goes over the forehead and eyes and then pulls a temple strap to the mouth.

Distribution and habitat

The distribution of black-tailed rattlesnake comprises the central and southern Arizona, New Mexico and southwestern Texas and runs to the south, where it occupies the major part of central Mexico. The coastal regions are not inhabited by the species.

As habitat preferred the snake pine oak mixed forests and other vegetation-rich areas, very often in the transition region of the deserts to the forested mountain ranges.

Snake venom

The poison of the snake generally leads to local tissue destruction and pain, which follows a general nausea. However, bites are relatively rare.

System

The closest relative of the black-tailed rattlesnake is very likely the basilisk rattlesnake (C. basiliscus ), which is widespread parapatric with slight overlap to this type. In the contact regions of the two species occurs hybridizations.

Currently, four subspecies of black-tailed rattlesnake can be distinguished:

• C. m. estebanensis on the island of San Esteban in the Gulf of California; typical of this subspecies is very much atrophied tail rattle
• C. m. mollossus in the U.S. part of the range as well as in adjacent Mexico
• C. m. nigrescens in central Mexico, and on the island of Tiburón in the Gulf of California
• C. m. oaxacus In the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Puebla; she was temporarily the basilisk rattlesnake (C. basiliscus ) was included as subspecies