Crotalus scutulatus: Difference between revisions

From Citizendium
Jump to navigation Jump to search
imported>Mary Ash
No edit summary
imported>Mary Ash
No edit summary
Line 20: Line 20:
}}
}}


{{Image|Crotalus scutulatus 03.jpg|left|350px|The Mohave (Mojave) Green rattlenake. This is one of the most dangerous snakes in Northern America.}}
'''''Crotalus Scutulatus''''' is a [[venomous snake|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.<ref name="urlField Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group">{{cite web | url = http://education.eol.org/field-guide?guidekey=7&eol_id=815840 | title = Field Guide &#124; EOL: Learning and Education Group | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | format = | work = | publisher = | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = | accessdate = 2011-02-04}}</ref>{{Image|Crotalus scutulatus 03.jpg|right|350px|The Mohave (Mojave) Green rattlenake. This is one of the most dangerous snakes in Northern America.}}
'''''Crotalus Scutulatus''''' is a [[venomous snake|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.<ref name="urlField Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group">{{cite web | url = http://education.eol.org/field-guide?guidekey=7&eol_id=815840 | title = Field Guide &#124; EOL: Learning and Education Group | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | format = | work = | publisher = | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = | accessdate = 2011-02-04}}</ref>
==Description==
==Description==
''Crotalus Scutulatus '' usually measures between 2' and 4'" long. The [[rattlesnake]]s, ''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.<ref name="urlBiogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake">{{cite web | url = http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall00Projects/rsnake.htm | title = Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | format = | work = | publisher = | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = | accessdate = 2011-02-04}}</ref>
''Crotalus Scutulatus '' usually measures between 2' and 4'" long. The [[rattlesnake]]s, ''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.<ref name="urlBiogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake">{{cite web | url = http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Fall00Projects/rsnake.htm | title = Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake | author = | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | format = | work = | publisher = | pages = | language = | archiveurl = | archivedate = | quote = | accessdate = 2011-02-04}}</ref>

Revision as of 22:54, 4 February 2011

This article is a stub and thus not approved.
Main Article
Discussion
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
Citable Version  [?]
 
This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.
Crotalus scutulatus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Subfamily: Crotalinae
Genus: Crotalus
Species: C. scutulatus

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]

(PD) Image: USGS Photographer Kathie Meyer
The Mohave (Mojave) Green rattlenake. This is one of the most dangerous snakes in Northern America.

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

  1. Field Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus). Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  5. 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
  6. SOUTH MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND EDUCATION CENTER RATTLE SNAKES AND GILA MONSTERS. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  7. , Wildlife Database Detail - :. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
  8. Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: Treatment & Medication - eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.