Crotalus molossus nigrescens

Crotalus molossus nigrescens, or the Mexican black-tailed rattlesnake, is a subspecies of black-tailed rattlesnake from Southern America. The name nigrescens comes from the Latin word "to become dark in colour". As with all rattlesnakes, it is venomous.[1]

Crotalus molossus nigrescens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Genus: Crotalus
Species:
Subspecies:
C. m. nigrescens
Trinomial name
Crotalus molossus nigrescens
Gloyd, 1936

Description

edit

The subspecies can be distinguished from its sister subspecies by its specific scale counts (less scale rows and less ventral scutes) and its colouring. it has around 20 distinguishable diamond splotches, lined with yellow, which do not join (they do in Crotalus molossus molossus) and it is noticeably darker. It is a light olive brown, gradually darkening towards the tail. Its head is also black, with a few light coloured scales. Its underside is also a light cream colour.[2]

Range

edit

Crotalus molossus nigrescens is known to be present through Mexico's highlands, specifically southern Chihuahua to northern Oaxaca.[2]

Reproduction

edit

Crotalus molossus nigrescens is known to be ovoviviparous.[1]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "Crotalus molossus". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 2024-10-09.
  2. ^ a b Gloyd, Howard K. 1936. A mexican subspecies of Crotalus molossus Baird and Girard. Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology, University of Michigan (325): 1-5