Crotalus scutulatus
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Crotalus Scutulatus is a venomous rattlesnake species commonly known as the Mohave (Mojave) rattlesnake. Some other names associated with this rattlesnake include the Mojave Green rattlesnake. It is not endangered and it's conservation status is: Least Concern.[1]
Description
Crotalus Scutulatus usually measures between 2' and 4'" long. The rattlesnakes, C. Scutulatus can be identified by the diamond shaped pattern that becomes off-set in color near the snake's tail. The Mohave snake is greenish gray to tannish brown in color. Color variations are based on terrain.[2]
Range
Their current range spans from the Mojave Desert through extreme northern Colorado. They are also found in Arizona, Texas and Mexico. They are endemic throughout the southwestern desert of North America.Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.</ref>[3]
Habitat
C. Scutulatus prefers living where there are numerous creosote plants. Unlike most rattlesnakes the Mohave Green prefers to live alone , or perhaps with a couple other Mohave snakes. They often sleep in rodent burrows. [4][5]They also tend to be nocturnal.[4]
Hibernation
C. Scutulatus hibernate during the winter months and emerge during spring when they actively seek food.[2]
Reproductive cyle
C. Scutulatus have a bimodal mating pattern. Coitus and reproductive behavior was seen either in the summer/fall or spring seasons. C. Scutulatus give birth to live young and do not lay eggs.[5]Males reach sexual maturation between 16 and 20 months while females reach maturity at 25 months.[5]
Venom
C. Scutulatus venom is one of the most potent. Type A induces neurotoxic effects. Mohave toxin, or a similar toxin, has been detected in the venom of other rattlesnake species. The toxin impairs the presynaptic acetylcholine release. Type B Venom may cause local, proteolytic, and hemorrhagic effects. Renal failure is also reported. Venom B is less lethal than Venom A. Most reported deaths involved the individual intentionally interacting with the Mohave Green.[3] “The Mohave Rattlesnake venom is ten times more toxic than other North American Rattlesnakes,” according to the City of Phoenix website.[6][7]
Snakebite symptoms
Some symptoms reported include muscle weakness, respiratory failure, lethargy, fainting, tachycardia, muscle movements and shock.[3]
Treatment
Immediate medical care should be sought. Antivenom is available, if needed. Do not try to catch the snake to take to the hospital as further injury could occur.[8] [4]
See also
References
- ↑ Field Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus). Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 www.michaelcardwell.com. Retrieved on 2011-02-04. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "urlwww.michaelcardwell.com" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ SOUTH MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND EDUCATION CENTER RATTLE SNAKES AND GILA MONSTERS. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ , Wildlife Database Detail - :. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
- ↑ Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: Treatment & Medication - eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.