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Tiger Rattlesnake
Tiger Rattlesnake Facts
- Leading off this article about 4 Stunning North American Snakes comes the extraordinary reptile bearing the intriguing name of the Tiger Rattlesnake.
- This magnificent creation of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by its common name for wholly understandable reasons. Professionals, however, more commonly refer to the creature by its formal, scientific name. That’s the term of Crotalus tigris.
- Perhaps the most noteworthy fact about the reptile remains the level of danger it represents. That holds true due to the fact that it represents the most dangerous of known varieties of rattlesnake. This level of danger occurs regardless of size.
- The quantity of venom injected also equals much less than that of similar species. Yet, its the nature of the toxin that makes it so perilous. That’s because the venom contains a powerful mix of neurotoxins and mycotoxins, often leading to muscle death.
- Unfortunately for it, though, the range of the species is restricted. Even within that range, its own nature serves as a limiting factor to its potential spread. That occurs due to the fact that its habitat requirements restrict its population to specific regions.
- Despite inhabiting such a restricted range, however, its numbers remain stable. The IUCN, therefore, lists the Tiger Rattlesnake as Least Concern on its Red List. Nevertheless, given the nature of its needs, it remains vulnerable to climate change.
Tiger Rattlesnake Physical Description
The Tiger Rattlesnake classifies as a type of pit viper. It also qualifies as a smaller than average one. Like many species of reptiles, though, it displays the trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, the males typically attain a slightly larger size than that of the females.
Neither gender attains an impressive physical size, however. Lengths vary significantly between individuals, though. Adults average between 18 – 36 in (46 – 92 cm) in length. The average length is about 24 in (61 cm). Weights also rarely exceed 1 lb ( 0.45 kg).
The most distinguishing physical feature of the Tiger Rattlesnake is the head. This develops in a highly rectangular shape. It also forms quite small in proportion to body length. The rattle on its tail further develops relatively much larger than others, though.
Its basic coloring also varies greatly among individuals. Most present combinations of an orange-brown or bluish gray. Black bars also show across the body, thus the common name. Like all pit vipers, individuals also possess heat-sensing organs on each side of the head.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Crotalus
- Species: C. tigris
Tiger Rattlesnake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Regrettably, the astonishing Tiger Rattlesnake evolved as solely endemic to a moderately small region of the globe. It’s also a region well known for its abundance of natural marvels, though. That’s because it’s endemic to specific portions of the continent of North America.
More specifically, the tantalizing reptile appears only in the region of the state of Arizona, in the United States, and southern Mexico. Even more specifically, though, within that limited range, the snakes roam at altitudes ranging from sea level to 4,806 ft (1,465 m).
The small but powerful reptile further inhabits an environment considered extremely harsh for most species. That’s due to the fact that it usually inhabits regions of rocky desert canyons, bajadas, and foothills. This highly adapted species also remains mainly terrestrial.
Nevertheless, some individuals do occasionally diverge from this typical pattern of behavior. On occasional, some specimens choose to perch in low vegetation. Its periods of activity also vary somewhat, according to the seasons, having adapted to its environment.
Just as all other known snakes, it evolved as a carnivore. Given its size, individuals primarily prey on a variety of small mammals. Yet, it distinguishes itself in another manner. That’s because, unlike most snakes, it hunts by both ambush and active stalking equally.
Considering its level of lethality, its own predators remain few. But the few it does face includes hawks and eagles. By nature, the Tiger Rattlesnake can be easily annoyed and remains quite aggressive. The major threat it faces is human expansion into its territory.
California red-sided garter snake
California red-sided garter snake Facts
- Appearing next in this listing of 4 Stunning North American Snakes comes the dazzling species appropriately known as the California red-sided garter snake.
- This dazzling work of Nature and evolution bears the long-winded common term that it does for excellent reasons. Sadly, however, its scientific name isn’t any easier to pronounce. That’s because researchers know it as the Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis.
- By either name, though, it’s a beautiful variety of reptile. It also represents a subspecies of the common garter snake. This marvel of evolution further forms one of three currently recognized subpsecies of the parent species found in its specific part of world.
- The colorful snake received its formal name due to the work of the renowned French zoologist and anatomist, Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville. This respected researcher gave the snake its first formal recognition as a distinct species in the year 1835.
- Presently, the IUCN does not have any listing for the species on the organization’s Red List of Threatened Species. The country in which its habitat range lies, however, does have a listing for it. In that country, the unique creature lists as Endangered.
- That’s partly due to the fact that the population of the California red-sided garter snake appears to be diminishing. Other factors also contribute to its status, though. That’s because the dual threats of habitat loss and climate change also now endanger it.
California red-sided garter snake Physical Description
Though the fabulous Californis red-sided garter snake fully merits appreciation, it doesn’t do so based on sheer physical size. That’s because it only ranks as an average-sized variety of garter snake. But it easily makes up for that in its very impressive visual appeal.
Like the other red-sided garter snakes known to science, it also shows a marked degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, though, this manifests in terms of pure physical size. Due to this trait, females average about 30% larger than males.
Overall, adults attain widely varied lengths, which isn’t unknown among snakes. In the instance of this specific reptile, this typically measures from 18 – 55 in (46 – 140 cm). The overall average, however, only equals roughly 36 in (96 cm). In fact, some remain smaller.
Interestingly, the head of the snake remains small. In point of fact, the head barely measures wider than the body itself. The eyes, meanwhile, attain a larger than average size, when compared to other garter snake varieties. This provides it with a distinct appearance.
It’s the coloring of the California red-sided garter snake that stand out the most, however. The generalbackgroun appears as a black to dark olive in color. It has a wide dorsal stripe, with a bluish to yellowish color. Somewhat blurred stripes also appear along the sides.
The bright red bars, however, manifested along the sides of the animal garner the most notice, serving as the source of the name. The head of the snake, meanwhile, appears as either orangish or red. The underside, though, appears a blue-gray, with dark patterns.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
- Genus: Thamnophis
- Species: T. sirtalis
- Subspecies: T. s. infernalis
California red-sided garter snake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
The marvelous California red-sided garter snake possesses and extremely limited and restricted zone of habitation. Research further indicates that its range never extended beyond the approximate area it occupies now. It also shares that range with a related species.
More precisely, as the name itself implies, the reptile evolved as native to a specific part of the world. That’s the state of California, in the United States. Even there, though, its population concentrations seem to remain widely scattered across several parts of the state.
Fortunately, though, throughout this precise portion of North America, the animal appears to be highly versatile in its habitat requirements. In fact, it appears in a wide range of ecosystems. This provides it with a distinct advantage over less versatile species, of course.
Specifically, the beautiful reptile typically makes its home in regions including grasslands, forests, mixed woodlands, and chaparral. In these areas, it most frequently makes its home either beside or at least in the general vicintiy of streams, marshes, or ponds.
The California red-sided garter snake conducts most of its activity during periods of daylight. It’s also an excellent swimmers. This, in fact, leads to one of its chief means of defense. If threatened, the generally peaceful snake retreats into the water when possible.
Its bite is harmless to most humans. Generally, it only bites if handled directly. When this occurs, it typically results in no more than mild discomfort at the site of the bite itself. Its prey consists of a wide variety of small creatures, such as frogs, fish, and worms.
Rainbow Snake
Rainbow Snake Facts
- The third species in this compendium of 4 Stunning North American Snakes, the Rainbow Snake, places there only due to random selection.
- The descriptive term for the animal serves as the most frequently used common name for this visually stunning reptile. The name also suits the creature perfectly. Its other common name, the eel moccasin, remains much less colorfully descriptive.
- Its scientific name, meanwhile, is somewhat difficult to pronounce. That’s because it bears the cumbersome appellation of Farancia erytrogramma. This tongue-twisting name further derives from the ancient Greek word of erythros, meaning red.
- The first official recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species, however, did not occur until much later. In fact, it wasn’t until 1802. This took place as a direct result of the work of the renowned French naturalist, Palisot de Beauvois.
- Previously, scientists also recognized a total of two separate subspecies of the marvelous snake. Sadly, however, researchers later declared one of those as extinct. The Farancia erytrogramma, therefore, now represents the sole example of the species.
- Quite fortunately for those who appreciate its beauty, the population of the Rainbow Snake appears to be both stable and sufficient. This further holds true throughout the entirety of its natural range. The IUCN, therefore, currently lists it as Least Concern.
- It nevertheless does face some potential threats. In this it reflects the current state of environmental factors around the world. Habitat loss due to human encroachment threatens it, of course. Its greatest threat, though, comes from climate change.
Rainbow Snake Physical Description
The Rainbow Snake impresses those encounter it in several ways. The first of those occurs due to its sheer physical size. That’s due to the fact that this particular reptile attains a moderately great length. It also displays a moderate degree of the trait of sexual dimorphism.
In this specific species, the trait manifests itself in regards to gender size. More specifically, though, this results in females reaching greater average lengths than that of the males. The overall size difference, however, remains comparatively minor in most specimens.
Overall, the gorgeous Rainbow Snake reaches as an impressive average length. In point of fact, this length typically equals between roughly 36 – 48 in (91 – 122 cm). Exceptional individuals, however, sometimes grow to recorded lengths of as much as 66 in (168 cm).
Its most striking feature, though, remains its physical appearance. This, in fact, results in the common name. That’s because it displays an incredible pattern of colors. Most display a glossy bluish-black hue, on smooth scales. It further possesses three bright red stripes.
Mature adults, however, occasionally display a pattern of pale yellowish coloring. This most frequently appears on the head and along the sides of the beautiful animal. It also has a relatively short tail, tipped with a spiny tip, often used to probe its surroundings.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Colubridae
- Genus: Farancia
- Species: F. erytrogramma
Rainbow Snake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Most unfortunately, the dazzling Rainbow Snake presently only inhabits a comparatively small section of the globe. It also currently remains unknown to researchers if the magnificent, and often misunderstood, animal ever possessed a more extensive range.
Regardless of the unknowns, its current zone of habitation remains restricted to a small portion of North America. In point of fact, this consists of a tiny section of the United States. More precisely, it appears in an area that runs along the east and southeast portion.
There, the remarkable reptile lives in a total of 8 of the southern states. These consist of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. Even there, though, it only inhabits the regions closer to the coast.
The breathtakingly colored Rainbow Snake also evolved as a primarily aquatic creature in nature. As a result, the fascinating animal has decidedly specific habitat preferences. Individuals therefore most commonly appear in areas that reflect that specific characteristic.
Specimens most often live in regions that include swamps, slow-moving bodies of water, such as small creeks and streams. It does, however, also appear in areas of open marsh. These environments appear in areas of deciduous forests, mountains, and sandy sections.
The principally nocturnal Rainbow Snake evolved as a skilled swimmer, catching most of their prey in the water. After catching that prey, however, it holds it in its mouth until reaching land. Once there, it swallows it whole. Many species prey on it in return, though.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Facts
- Closing out this article on 4 Stunning North American Snakes comes the remarkable species of reptile named the Eatern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
- Notably, the name for this marvel of Nature and evolution applies to a reptile that’s a highly venomous species of pit viper. Among professionals, such as researchers, though, its more frequently known by its technial name of the Crotalus adamanteus.
- It received that name due to the work of the respected French naturalist, Ambroise Marie François Joseph Palisot. He made the first formal recogntion of the reptile as a separate and distinct species. This noteworthy action he accomplished in 1799.
- This dangerous but magnificent rattlesnake also holds another impressive status. That’s because it ranks as the heaviest venomous snake on two continents. Despite its great weight, however, the animal does not qualify as the longest of them.
- For a variety of reasons, the IUCN currently lists it as a species of Least Concern on its Red List. This status currently remains under review, however. This reconsideration occurs due to ongoing changes in conditions within the range of the snake.
- Estimates put its population at only 3% of what it once was. Habitat loss and highway mortality, coupled with a low reproductive rate form the main factors in its decline. Climate change may soon threaten the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, too.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Physical Description
The amazing creation of nature and evolution named the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake easily constitutes a physically imposing reptile. It holds this claim due to a very specific reason, though. That’s due to its sheer massiveness, for a venomous reptile.
Variations in size between individuals do sometimes,occur, however. This holds true partly due to the fact that this amazing creature displays a slight degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In this, it’s like most of its relatives, though.
In its case, this principle manifests in terms of overall size. The male typically attains a slightly greater length and weight than the female. The difference remains quite small, though. Due to this, the two genders are usually considered to be of the same size.
A typical length for this incredible reptile thus equals roughly 5.5 ft (1.7 m). The typical adult generally weighs about 10 lb (4.5 kg). Yet, exceptional specimens occasionally reach lengths equaling as much as 7.8 ft (2.4 m). Most of the exceptional-sized individuals are male.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake also presents a striking image in color pattern. That’s because this typically consists of shades of brown, yellow, gray, and olive. This pattern develops overlaid with a series of 24-35 black or dark brown diamond shapes.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Viperidae
- Genus: Crotalus
- Species: C. adamanteus
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Unfortunately for those who appreciate Nature, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake evolved as endemic to a very limited territorial range. This native zone of habitation only includes the southeastern United States. Even there, it only appears in a limited area, though.
More specifically, due to these limitations, its natural range only extends along the coastal plain. More specifically, that runs from eastern North Carolina to southeastern Louisiana. The snake further inhabits some portions of the range in greater numbers than others.
Due to this natural tendency, the increasingly rare animal appears to be most numerous in the states of Alabama and Georgia. Unfortunately for those who love Nature, the reptile’s now offically considered to be extinct in the states of North Carolina and Louisiana.
It’s best known for its relative toxicity. A typical bite produces 3-4 times the amount of venom needed to kill an average human. Antivenom is available in most medical facilities throughout its range, however. Therefore, attacks usually only become fatal if untreated.
The dangerous but impressive animal also remains quite adaptable in character. In point of fact, it frequently shows that it will inhabit a wide range of habitat types. These regions include pine forests, sandhills, coastal hammocks, and most types of swampy areas.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake also displays yet another distinctive characteristic. This intriguing animal typically resides within burrows previously excavated by other animals. From there, it forages for prey, mainly consisting of smaller animals.
4 Stunning North American Snakes
We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed this article about these 4 Stunning North American Snakes. It’s always our pleasure to present such information to you, our readers. It’s also our fervent hope that it leaves you with a renewed appreciation for Nature.
Sadly, however, many of the myriad species around the world now find themselves facding great threats to their existence. For many, that’s due to the actions of man. It’s up to each and every one of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them.
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