Crotalus atrox tortugensis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crotalus atrox tortugensis |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Genus: | Crotalus |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
C. a. tortugensis
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| Trinomial name | |
| Crotalus atrox tortugensis Van Denburgh & Slevin, 1921
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The Tortuga Island diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox tortugensis), also known as the Tortuga Island rattlesnake, is a special kind of venomous pit viper. It's a subspecies (a group within a species) found only on Tortuga Island in the Gulf of California.
Contents
About the Tortuga Island Rattlesnake
What Does It Look Like?
This snake is smaller than its close relative, the mainland diamondback rattlesnake (C. atrox atrox). Large males usually don't grow much longer than 100 cm (39 in) (about 3.3 feet). The longest one ever recorded was 105.8 centimetres (41.7 in) (about 3.5 feet).
Its head is shorter compared to its body length. This is a sign of "dwarfing," which means animals on islands sometimes become smaller than their relatives on the mainland.
The snake's body color is usually gray to gray-brown. Sometimes it can have a slight purple or pink tint. Along its back, it has 32 to 41 dark brown or purplish-brown blotches. These blotches are shaped like hexagons or diamonds. They have black spots and are outlined with irregular black patterns.
Where Does It Live?
This rattlesnake is found only on Tortuga Island. This island is located in the Gulf of California, Mexico. The island is its only natural home.
What Is Its Home Like?
The Tortuga Island rattlesnake lives in dry, rocky desert areas. These places have very few plants, mostly just scattered bushes and cacti.
How Does It Behave?
Early reports said these snakes would rattle loudly when people came near them. However, they are generally described as being less easily excited than their mainland relatives, C. atrox atrox.
What Does It Eat?
This snake mainly eats mice. Scientists have found mammal hair in some snakes from the island. A type of mouse called the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus dickeyi) is very common on Tortuga Island, so it's likely a main part of their diet.
How Strong Is Its Venom?
The average amount of venom this snake produces is about 56 milligrams. To compare, its mainland relative, C. atrox atrox, produces much more venom, about 277 milligrams on average.
Protecting the Tortuga Island Rattlesnake
What Is Its Conservation Status?
The Tortuga Island rattlesnake is listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means it's not currently considered to be in danger of extinction. In 2007, its population was stable.
Species are listed as "Least Concern" if they are spread out widely, have a large population, or are not declining quickly. However, this snake lives in a very small area, only on Tortuga Island. Even though it's common on the island, its limited range makes it vulnerable to threats.
 | Sharif Bey |
 | Hale Woodruff |
 | Richmond Barthé |
 | Purvis Young |
