Crotalus intermedius facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crotalus intermedius |
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| A Mexican small-headed rattlesnake rests on rocks | |
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Crotalus
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intermedius
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The Mexican small-headed rattlesnake (scientific name: Crotalus intermedius) is a type of pit viper snake. You can find this snake in central and southern Mexico. Like all pit vipers, it is a venomous snake, meaning it can inject venom. There are three different kinds, or subspecies, of this snake known today.
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What Does the Mexican Small-Headed Rattlesnake Look Like?
This snake usually grows to be about 50 to 60 centimeters (around 20 to 24 inches) long. That's about the length of a typical school ruler. Male snakes are often a bit bigger than females. Some snakes kept in zoos or special care might even grow larger than those in the wild.
Where Do These Rattlesnakes Live?
You can find the Mexican small-headed rattlesnake in many parts of central and southern Mexico. This includes areas like southeastern Hidalgo, southern Tlaxcala, and parts of Puebla and Veracruz. They also live in different mountain ranges in Oaxaca and Guerrero.
These snakes often live in forests where pine and oak trees grow, especially in places that have dry seasons. However, they can also be found in cloud forests, which are very misty and humid. Sometimes, they even live in desert areas. These snakes prefer to live at high elevations, usually between 2,000 and 3,200 meters (about 6,500 to 10,500 feet) above sea level.
Is the Mexican Small-Headed Rattlesnake Endangered?
The Mexican small-headed rattlesnake is currently listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. This means that experts believe the snake is not at high risk of becoming endangered right now. This is usually because they have a wide distribution, a large population, or their numbers are not decreasing quickly. In 2007, their population was considered stable.
Different Types of Mexican Small-Headed Rattlesnakes
There are three recognized subspecies of the Mexican small-headed rattlesnake. Each one lives in a slightly different area of Mexico.
| Subspecies Name | Discovered By | Common Name | Where It Lives |
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| C. i. intermedius | Troschel, 1865 | Totalcan small-headed rattlesnake | Mexico, in southeastern Hidalgo, northeastern Puebla, west-central Veracruz, and southwestern Tlaxcala. |
| C. i. gloydi | Taylor, 1941 | Oaxacan small-headed rattlesnake | Southern, central, and northern Oaxaca, and central Puebla. |
| C. i. omiltemanus | Günther, 1895 | Omilteman small-headed rattlesnake | Guerrero, in several areas west of Chilpancingo. |
