Red diamond rattlesnake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Diamond Rattlesnake |
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| A Red Diamond Rattlesnake, Crotalus Ruber | |
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C. Ruber
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The Red Diamond Rattlesnake (Crotalus Ruber) is a type of venomous pit viper. These snakes are known for their special heat-sensing pits on their faces. There are currently three different kinds, called subspecies, of this snake.
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About the Red Diamond Rattlesnake
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a large kind of Rattlesnake. It usually grows to about 100 centimeters (39 inches) long. Some male snakes can even reach 140 centimeters (55 inches). The longest one ever found was 162 centimeters (64 inches) long! Its skin pattern looks a lot like the "Western Diamondback Rattlesnake". However, the Red Diamond Rattlesnake has a more reddish color.
Common Names
This snake has many different names. People sometimes call it the "Red Rattlesnake" or the "Red Rattler". Other names include the "Red Diamond-backed Rattlesnake" and the "Western Diamond Rattlesnake".
Where It Lives
The Red Diamond Rattlesnake mostly lives in deserts and on mountains. You can find it in the southwestern part of California, U.S.A.. It also lives in northeastern Baja California, Mexico. You might also see it on islands in the Gulf of California, such as Angel de la Guarda, San Macros, and Monserrate.
What It Eats
This snake mainly eats rabbits, ground squirrels, and birds. Sometimes, it also hunts lizards and even other snakes for food.
Reproduction
Red Diamond Rattlesnakes usually mate between February and April. Female snakes have their babies in August. They can have anywhere from 3 to 20 babies at one time. When they are born, the baby snakes are about 30 to 34 centimeters (12 to 13 inches) long.
Images for kids
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C. ruber
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A young C. ruber in the Mojave Desert
See also
In Spanish: Serpiente de cascabel diamante rojo para niños
