Details
Crotalus atrox
The western diamondback rattlesnake is a large viper of North American deserts and grasslands. It is a solitary carnivore, recognized by its tail rattle and bold diamond pattern.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It lives in the Nearctic realm, especially deserts, scrub, and dry grasslands. It favors places where open hunting ground lies close to rocks, burrows, or other cover.
Adults measure about 120-210 cm and weigh about 1-7 kg. The heavy body is patterned with brown diamonds, and the tail ends in a rattle used as a warning signal.
This species is mainly solitary and is treated here as diurnal. In strong heat it shelters or shifts into shade, then relies on warning posture before striking.
It is carnivorous, taking small mammals, birds, and reptiles by ambush. Venom subdues prey, which the snake then tracks by scent.
Females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Newborns already have functional venom and quickly begin solitary lives.
Its conservation status is LC, and it remains widespread. Because encounters with people can occur, it is best observed from a respectful distance.
