Crotalus viridis Vertebra Rattlesnake Reptiles Viperidae

Description

Origin : South Dakota (U.S.A.) Chadron Formation

Vertebra of Prairie Rattle-Snake Crotalus viridis  mm 7-13 x 5-7 Reptiles Viperidae.
Family: Viperidae.
Common name: Prairie Rattlesnake or Great Plains Rattlesnake.
Syn. Crotalinus viridis, Crotalurus viridis, Crotalus confluentus, Crotalus lecontei, Crotalus audisona, Caudisona confluenta, Crotalus confluentus.

Crotalus viridis is a species of venomous Viper or Rattlesnake native to the western United States, southwestern Canada, and northern Mexico. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) and the Hopi rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius).
This species commonly grows to exceed 100 cm in length. The maximum recorded size is 151.5 cm.
Generally, rattlesnakes are colored in shades of brown with the characteristic triangle-shaped head and pit-like sensory organs on both sides of the head.
They are mainly terrestrial animals, but occasionally climb trees or bushes. This species has a powerful venom, with which it defends itself if threatened or injured. As with other rattlesnake species, they rapidly vibrate their tails, producing a unique rasping sound to alert intruders.
Rattlesnake venom is a mixture of different proteins including enzymes such as proteases and peptidases. In addition to hemotoxin and its destructive effect on tissues, the venom also has neurotoxic properties.
Rattlesnakes, due to their wide distribution, have a wide range of prey. This species generally prefers small mammals, such as ground squirrels, ground-nesting birds, mice, rats, small rabbits, and prairie dogs. They occasionally feed on amphibians and reptiles and sometimes other snakes.
Rattlesnakes are viviparous and can produce up to 25 young per reproductive event. The young are toxic as soon as they are born. They reach sexual maturity at three years. It is also common for females to give birth in communal dens.