Crotalus ruber

Last updated

Red diamond rattlesnake
Crotalus ruber1.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Genus: Crotalus
Species:
C. ruber
Binomial name
Crotalus ruber
Cope, 1892
Crotalus ruber distribution.png
Synonyms
List
  • Caudisona atrox sonoraensis - Kennicott, 1861
  • Crotalus adamanteus atrox - Cope, 1875
  • Crotalus exsul - Garman, 1884
  • Crotalus adamanteus ruber - Cope, 1892
  • Crotalus ruber - Van Denburgh, 1896
  • Crotalus atrox ruber - Stejneger, 1895
  • Crotalus exsul - Grinnell & Camp, 1917
  • Crotalus atrox elegans - Schmidt, 1922
  • Crotalus exul ruber - Kallert, 1927
  • Crotalus ruber ruber - Klauber, 1949
  • Crotalus ruber elegans - Harris & Simmons, 1978
  • Crotalus ruber monserratensis - Harris & Simmons, 1978
  • Crotalus exsul exsul - Grismer, McGuire & Hollingsworth, 1994 [2]
Common names: red diamond rattlesnake, red rattlesnake, red diamond snake, [3] more

Crotalus ruber is a venomous pit viper species found in southwestern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. [4]

Contents

Description

C. ruber Crotalus-ruber.jpg
C. ruber

This moderately large species commonly exceeds 100 cm (39 in) on the mainland. Large males may exceed 140 cm (55 in), although specimens of over 150 cm (59 in) are quite rare. The largest specimen on record measured 162 cm (64 in) (Klauber, 1937). [5]

Crotalus ruber is very similar in pattern to C. atrox, but it is distinguished by its reddish color, to which the specific name, ruber, refers. Also, the first lower labial scale on each side is transversely divided to form a pair of anterior chin shields. [6]

The dorsal scales are usually arranged in 29 rows, but may vary from 25 to 31 rows. Ventrals range from 185 to 206. [7]

Snakes found in coastal regions are longer on average than those found in desert regions. [8]

Common names

Common names include: red diamond rattlesnake, red rattlesnake, red diamond snake, red diamond-backed rattlesnake, red rattler, and western diamond rattlesnake. [3] The form found on Cedros Island, previously described as C. exsul, was referred to as the Cedros Island diamond rattlesnake, [9] or Cedros Island rattlesnake. [10]

Geographic range

Red diamond rattlesnakes are found in the United States in southwestern California and southward through the Baja California peninsula, although not in the desert east of the Sierra de Juárez in northeastern Baja California. It also inhabits a number of islands in the Gulf of California, including Angel de la Guarda, Pond, San Lorenzo del Sur, San Marcos, Danzante, Monserrate and San José. Off the west coast of Baja California, it is found on Isla de Santa Margarita, which is off Baja California Sur, and (as C. exsul) on Isla de Cedros. [2] Dwelling in brush covered hillsides, a favored habitat is the small caves and clefts of reddish sandstone mesas. [11]

Eating a cottontail rabbit Red Diamond Rattlesnake, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Diego, CA, US imported from iNaturalist photo 21507732.jpg
Eating a cottontail rabbit

Conservation status

This species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001). [12] Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because they are unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend was down when assessed in 2007. [13]

Habitat

C. ruber inhabits the cooler coastal zone, over the mountains, and into the desert beyond. It prefers the dense chaparral country of the foothills, cactus patches, and boulders covered with brush, from sea level to 1,500 m in altitude. [14]

Diet

This species preys on rabbits, ground squirrels, birds, [14] lizards, and other snakes. [3] [15] Snakes from coastal populations consume prey of larger body mass than snakes from desert populations. [16]

Reproduction

Mating occurs between February and April. Females give birth in August, to between three and 20 young. Neonates are 30 to 34 cm in length. [14]

Venom

C. ruber shaking its rattle

This species is of a mild disposition [15] and has one of the least potent rattlesnake venoms. Nonetheless, a bite from this species is still a medical emergency and can be fatal without prompt antivenom treatment.

Brown (1973) lists an average venom yield of 364 mg (dried) and LD50 values of 4.0, 3.7 mg/kg IV, 6.0, 7.0, 6.7 mg/kg IP and 21.2 mg/kg SC for toxicity. [17]

However, Norris (2004) warned this species has a relatively large venom yield containing high levels of proteolytic enzymes, especially in the adults. A publication he mentions by Rael et al. (1986) showed it contains at least three proteolytic hemorrhagins that degrade fibrinogen and cause myonecrosis, but no Mojave toxin. On the other hand, three specimens from Mexico studied by Glen et al. (1983) did have Mojave toxin and lacked hemorrhagic activity. [18]

Bite symptoms include massive tissue swelling, pain, ecchymosis, hemorrhagic blebs, and necrosis. Systemic symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, coagulopathy, clinical bleeding and hemolysis. [18]

Subspecies

Subspecies [4] Taxon author [4] Common nameGeographic range [2]
C. r. exsul [5] Garman, 1884 [5] Cedros Island red diamond rattlesnake Mexico, Cedros Island [9]
C. r. lucasensis Van Denburgh, 1920San Lucan red diamond rattlesnakeMexico, Cape region of lower Baja California
C. r. ruber Cope, 1892Red diamond rattlesnakeThe United States in southwestern California, and Mexico in Baja California, except for the Cape region of lower Baja California

Taxonomy

Not enough genetic and morphological diversity exists between C. exsul from Cedros Island and C. ruber from the mainland to warrant the recognition of both species. [19] Since C. exsul Garman (1884) has priority over C. ruber Cope (1892), they suggested the island population be referred to as C. e. exsul and those from the mainland as C. e. ruber. In response, Smith et al. (1998) petitioned the ICZN to validate ruber over exsul in the interest of nomenclatural stability. In 2000, the ICZN published Opinion 1960 in which they ruled C. ruber should have precedence over C. exsul. [5]

Related Research Articles

<i>Crotalus cerastes</i> Species of snake

Crotalus cerastes, known as the sidewinder, horned rattlesnake or sidewinder rattlesnake, is a pit viper species belonging to the genus Crotalus, and is found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Like all other pit vipers, it is venomous. Three subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Crotalus</i> Genus of snakes

Crotalus is a genus of pit vipers, commonly known as rattlesnakes or rattlers, in the family Viperidae. The genus is found only in the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina. The generic name Crotalus is derived from the Greek word κρόταλονkrótalοn, which means "rattle" or "castanet", and refers to the rattle on the end of the tail, which makes this group so distinctive. As of July 2023, 44 to 53 species are recognized as valid.

<i>Crotalus stephensi</i> Species of snake

Crotalus stephensi is a venomous pitviper species found in central and southern Nevada and adjacent California. Common names include panamint rattlesnake, panamint rattler, Owens Valley rattler, and tiger rattlesnake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eastern diamondback rattlesnake</span> Species of reptile endemic to the southeastern US

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is one of the heaviest venomous snakes in the Americas and the largest rattlesnake. No subspecies are recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black-tailed rattlesnake</span> Species of snake

The black-tailed rattlesnake is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

<i>Crotalus basiliscus</i> Species of reptile

Crotalus basiliscus, known as the Mexican west coast rattlesnake, Mexican green rattler, and also by other names, is a species of pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to western Mexico. Like all other pit vipers, it is venomous. The specific name, basiliscus, is derived from the Greek word for king, βασιλισκος, and alludes to this snake's large size and potent venom. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Crotalus helleri</i> Species of snake

Crotalus helleri or Crotalus oreganus helleri, also known commonly as the Southern Pacific rattlesnake, the black diamond rattlesnake, and by several other common names, is a pit viper species or subspecies found in southwestern California and south into Baja California, Mexico, that is known for its regional variety of dangerous venom types. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of Crotalus oreganus.

<i>Crotalus willardi</i> Species of snake

Crotalus willardi is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. This snake is found mainly in the "sky island" region. The IUCN reports this snake's conservation status as being of Least Concern. It is the official state reptile of Arizona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Western diamondback rattlesnake</span> Species of snake

The western diamondback rattlesnake or Texas diamond-back is a rattlesnake species and member of the viper family, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like all other rattlesnakes and all other vipers, it is venomous. It is likely responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the greatest number of snakebites in the U.S. No subspecies are currently recognized.

<i>Crotalus mitchellii</i> Species of snake

Crotalus mitchellii is a venomous pit viper species in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the Southwestern United States and adjacent northern Mexico. The species was named in honor of Silas Weir Mitchell (1829–1914), an American medical doctor who also studied rattlesnake venoms. Five subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

<i>Crotalus catalinensis</i> Species of venomous pit viper native to Isla Santa Catalina, Mexico

The Santa Catalina rattlesnake is a species of pit viper endemic to Isla Santa Catalina in the Gulf of California just off the east coast of the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. Like all other pit vipers, it is venomous. No subspecies are currently recognized. A relatively small and slender species, its most distinctive characteristic is that it lacks a rattle. They are also a generally nocturnal species. Though the species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, there are few efforts for the snake's conservation.

<i>Crotalus durissus</i> Species of snake

Crotalus durissus, known as the South American rattlesnake, tropical rattlesnake, and by other names, is a highly venomous pit viper species found in South America. It is the most widely distributed member of its genus. Currently, seven subspecies are recognized.

<i>Crotalus simus</i> Species of snake

Crotalus simus is a venomous pit viper species found in Mexico and Central America. The specific epithet is Latin for "flat-nosed", likely because its head is blunt compared with lanceheads (Bothrops). Three subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

<i>Crotalus oreganus</i> North American rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus, commonly known as the Western rattlesnake or northern Pacific rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species found in western North America from the Baja California Peninsula to the southern interior of British Columbia.

<i>Crotalus atrox tortugensis</i> Subspecies of snake

Crotalus atrox tortugensis is a venomous pit viper subspecies found only on Tortuga Island in the Gulf of California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiger rattlesnake</span> Species of snake

The tiger rattlesnake is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized. The specific name tigris,, refers to the many narrow dorsal crossbands, which create a pattern of vertical stripes when viewed from the side.

<i>Crotalus pricei</i> Species of snake

Crotalus pricei is a species of venomous snake, a pit viper in the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized.

Crotalus lorenzoensis is a species of pit viper.

<i>Crotalus pyrrhus</i> Species of snake

Crotalus pyrrhus is a venomous pitviper species found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. A medium-sized snake, it is found mostly in rocky country, active at night and feeding on small mammals. The coloration is variable and depends on the color of the rocks and soil of the habitat.

Crotalus ruber lucasensis, the San Lucan diamond rattlesnake, is a venomous pitviper subspecies found in Mexico in the Cape region of lower Baja California.

References

  1. ↑ Crotalus ruber https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.100051/Crotalus_ruber
  2. 1 2 3 McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN   1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN   1-893777-01-4 (volume).
  3. 1 2 3 Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes. Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN   0-8014-0463-0.
  4. 1 2 3 "Crotalus ruber". Integrated Taxonomic Information System . Retrieved 7 February 2007.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca and London. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN   0-8014-4141-2.
  6. ↑ Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. 365 pp. ("Red Diamond Rattlesnake.–Crotalus ruber Cope.", pp. 299-300 & Plate 32.)
  7. ↑ Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. Golden Press. New York. 240 pp. ("RED DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus ruber)", pp. 204-205.)
  8. ↑ Eric A. Dugan and William K. Hayes (2012) Diet and Feeding Ecology of the Red Diamond Rattlesnake, Crotalus ruber (Serpentes: Viperidae). Herpetologica: June 2012, Vol. 68, No. 2, pp. 203-217.
  9. 1 2 Klauber LM. 1997. Rattlesnakes: Their Habitats, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind. Second Edition. First published in 1956, 1972. University of California Press, Berkeley. ISBN   0-520-21056-5.
  10. ↑ Ditmars RL. 1933. Reptiles of the World. Revised Edition. The MacMillan Company. 329 pp. 89 plates.
  11. ↑ Campbell, Sheldon; Shaw, Charles E. (1974). Snakes of The American West. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN   978-0-394-48882-0.
  12. ↑ Crotalus ruber at the IUCN Red List . Accessed 13 September 2007.
  13. ↑ 2001 Categories & Criteria (version 3.1) at the IUCN Red List . Accessed 13 September 2007.
  14. 1 2 3 Behler JL, King FW. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. 743 pp. LCCCN 79-2217. ISBN   0-394-50824-6.
  15. 1 2 Wright and Wright (1957)
  16. ↑ Eric A. Dugan and William K. Hayes (2012) Diet and Feeding Ecology of the Red Diamond Rattlesnake, Crotalus ruber (Serpentes: Viperidae). Herpetologica: June 2012, Vol. 68, No. 2, pp. 203-217.
  17. ↑ Brown JH. 1973. Toxicology and Pharmacology of Venoms from Poisonous Snakes. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas. 184 pp. LCCCN 73-229. ISBN   0-398-02808-7.
  18. 1 2 Norris R. 2004. Venom Poisoning in North American Reptiles. In Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca and London. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN   0-8014-4141-2.
  19. ↑ Murphy et al. (1995)

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.