Crotalus durissus terrificus

(Laurenti, 1768)

Vernacular names

English : Cascabel rattlesnake
French : Crotale cascabel, Crotale des tropiques

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can reach a length of 1.80 m. Heavy-bodied species with strongly keeled scales. Dark brown coloration, becoming black on tail. Yellow-edged darn brown and black losange markings on back, longitudinal lines on neck.

Range and habitat

The species is found in South America, from Colombia to Guianas, south to Bolivia and north Argentina. This subspecies occurs southern part of range. Lives in savannas and more or less dry woodlands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix III
Status : The species has a huge range and remains locally common despite persecutions and collection for trade.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation