Crotalus scutulatus

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This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

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Crotalus scutulatus

Scientific classification
| Kingdom:  | Animalia

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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]

## Contents

* 1 Description
* 2 Range
* 3 Habitat
* 4 Hibernation
* 5 Reproductive cyle
* 6 Venom
* 7 Snakebite symptoms
* 8 Treatment
* 9 References

## Description[edit]

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] [3] [4] [5][6]

## Range[edit]

There 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.[2] [7][8]

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

## Habitat[edit]

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. [9][10]They also tend to be nocturnal.[9]

## Hibernation[edit]

C. Scutulatus hibernate during the winter months and emerge during spring when they actively seek food.[2]

## Reproductive cyle[edit]

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.[10]Males reach sexual maturation between 16 and 20 months while females reach maturity at 25 months.[11]

## Venom[edit]

C. Scutulatus venom is one of the most potent. “The Mohave Rattlesnake venom is ten times more toxic than other North American Rattlesnakes”.[12][13] 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, andhemorrhagic effects.Renal failure is also reported. Venom B is less lethal than Venom A. Some Mohave rattlesnakes carry both Venon A and B. Most reported deaths involved the individual intentionally interacting with the Mohave Green.[14] [15] [16]

## Snakebite symptoms[edit]

Some symptoms reported include muscle weakness, respiratory failure, lethargy, fainting, tachycardia, muscle movements and shock.[14]

## Treatment[edit]

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.[17] [9]

## References[edit]

1. ↑ Field Guide | EOL: Learning and Education Group. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Biogeography of Mojave Rattlesnake. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
3. ↑ Arizona Rattlesnakes. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
4. ↑ mojave rattlesnake. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
5. ↑ AHA Field Guide - Crotalus scutulatus scutulatus. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
6. ↑ , Wildlife Database Detail - :. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
7. ↑ Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Digital Library - Crotalus scutulatus. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
8. ↑ www.zo.utexas.edu. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus). Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 www.michaelcardwell.com. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
11. ↑ www.michaelcardwell.com. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
12. ↑ SOUTH MOUNTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL AND EDUCATION CENTER RATTLE SNAKES AND GILA MONSTERS. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
13. ↑ , Wildlife Database Detail - :. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.
15. ↑ www.chem.tamu.edu. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
16. ↑ Crotalus scutulatus. Retrieved on 2011-02-05.
17. ↑ Mohave Rattle Snake Envenomation: Treatment & Medication - eMedicine Emergency Medicine. Retrieved on 2011-02-04.