Black-tailed rattlesnake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black-tailed rattlesnake |
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| Genus: |
Crotalus
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| Species: |
molossus
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| Synonyms | |
The Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus Molossus) is a type of venomous snake. It is a pit viper, which means it has special heat-sensing pits on its face. These snakes live in the southwestern USA and Mexico. There are three different kinds, or subspecies, of the Black-tailed rattlesnake.
Contents
About the Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Most Black-tailed rattlesnakes grow to be about 76 to 107 centimetres (30 to 42 inches) long. Some can even reach 125 to 129.5 centimetres (49.2 to 51.0 inches). Female snakes are usually a bit bigger than males.
These snakes can be olive green, yellow, brown, or black. They get their name "Black-tailed rattlesnake" because their tail is completely black. Like other rattlesnakes, they have a rattle at the end of their tail. However, their rattle can be weak and might break off. They shed their skin several times each year as they grow.
Other Names for the Snake
The Black-tailed rattlesnake has a few other common names. People sometimes call it the "Green rattler." It is also known as the "Dog-faced rattlesnake" and the "Mountain Diamondback."
Where They Live
The Black-tailed rattlesnake is found in the southwestern USA and Mexico. In the USA, you can find them in Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of west and central Texas. In Mexico, they live in Oaxaca. They also live on some islands in the Gulf of California, like San Estèban Island and Tiburòn Island.
How They Behave
In the spring and fall, Black-tailed rattlesnakes are diurnal. This means they are active during the day. In the summer, they become nocturnal and are active at night. They do this to avoid the hot daytime temperatures. During the winter, they hibernate in dens made by other animals.
Even though they can climb well and are good swimmers, they mostly stay on the ground. They live in many different places. These include grasslands, deserts, mountain areas, and forests.
What They Eat
Like all rattlesnakes, Black-tailed rattlesnakes are carnivores. This means they eat meat. Their diet includes rodents, other small mammals, birds, and small reptiles.
How They Reproduce
Black-tailed rattlesnakes mate in the spring. After mating, the male snake often stays with the female. This helps to stop other males from mating with her. The female gives birth to her young in the summer.
The baby snakes stay with their mother for about one or two days. After that, they leave to live on their own. A female usually mates every year. She can have 10 to 12 young at one time. These snakes typically live for about 15 to 20 years.
Different Kinds of Black-tailed Rattlesnakes
There are three recognized subspecies of the Black-tailed rattlesnake:
- San Esteban Island Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Crotalus Molossus Estebanensis
- Mexican Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Crotalus Molossus Nigrescens
- Oaxacan Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Crotalus Molossus Oaxacus
Images for kids
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C. m. molossus
See also
In Spanish: Cascabel de cola negra para niños
