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Black-Tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus ornatus

Published on Project Noah
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30.7469, -105.002

Field Notes

Description:

Formerly 'C. molossus' this snake was re-validated as "Crotalus ornatus". This species ranges in color from olive-gray, olive-green to greenish-yellow to reddish-brown and black with a tail that is entirely black.

Habitat:

Black-tailed rattlesnakes are terrestrial that occupy deserts, lush grasslands, and rocky, mountainous areas. This specimen was found near a rocky arroyo within the Trans-Pecos region of the Chihuahuan desert. The area is a typical desert scrubland. Many White Thorned and Cat-claw Acacia dominate this area.

Notes:

Re-validation information: http://digitalcommons.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI1503704/

Reference Links:

ADW: Crotalus molossus: INFORMATION

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
Neil Ross
What a beauty! Classic strike pose, and I love that you've captured the tongue. A very handsome fellow that looks perfectly adapted to harsh, arid conditions.
Scott Frazier
Interesting! Can you list the habitat of your spotting rather than the range of habitats for the species? That's really what it's for since general habitat is available elsewhere but only you can provide the specific habitat of your spotting. See http://www.projectnoah.org/faq for this and other advice. Thanks!
Photographed
PublishedAugust 10, 2014

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