Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are easily identified by the series of dark diamond-shaped markings with a white outline on their backs.

Western diamondback rattlesnakes possess a pit organ that senses differences in temperature between the snake's internal temperature and the surrounding. This helps it find prey since it can "see" the temperature difference that they create.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is from the order Squamata. Species from this order are amphisbaenians, lizards or snakes. There are over 6,000 living species belonging to the squamata order - it is the largest order of all reptiles.

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, or Crotalus atrox, a member of the family Viperidae, the subfamily Crotalinae, and the genus Crotalus, ...

Notes
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is venomous. Bite symptoms include rapid swelling at site of the wound. discoloration and pain. Seek professional medical attention immediately if bitten.

Range/ Habitat: The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ranges from central and western Texas, through southern New Mexico and Arizona, and into southern California. It also extends into central Mexico. This species is not found in Washington state.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes from Arkansas may not have "diamonds" that are clearly marked. The snakes may rather appear "dusty", with a spattering of tans, rusts, and creams.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Angel Island Speckled Rattlesnake
Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake
Baja California Rattlesnake
San Esteban Island Rattlesnake
San Lorenzo Island Rattlesnake
Black-tailed Rattlesnake ...

A putative timber rattlesnake × western diamondback rattlesnake (C. atrox) hybrid has been identified in Texas [56].
SYNONYMS:
Crotalus horridus atricaudatus Latreille
Crotalus horridus horridus Linnaeus [19,52] ...

Since 1958, the World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up has been held in Sweetwater, Texas. As of 1996, 231,636 pounds of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have been collected. Proceeds from this event benefit several prominent charity organizations.

When they bite, their powerful jaws chew the venom in through capillary action along the grooves in these teeth. Gila monster venom is about as toxic as that of a western diamondback rattlesnake.

Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Boidae, San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sertalis tetraenia), Scarlet Kingsnake, Speckled Rattlesnake (Cetalus mitchelli), Velvet Snake (Tercipelo), Vine Snake (Oxybelis aenus), Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ...

See also: Diamondback Rattlesnake, Western Diamondback, Snake, Rattlesnake, Reptile