Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Rank Subspecies | Phylum Chordata Family Viperidae Higher classification Crotalus oreganus | |
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Similar Rattlesnake, Snake, Crotalus oreganus, Crotalus oreganus lutosus, Crotalus oreganus concolor | ||
Crotalus oreganus abyssus
Crotalus oreganus abyssus is a venomous pit viper subspecies found only in the United States in Arizona.
Contents
Description
This is a medium to large rattlesnake. Adults measure 16-54 inches (41-137 cm) in total length.
Dorsally, they have dark blotches on a variety of base colors ranging from reddish, pink, yellow/green, light tan, to gray. The blotches usually become crossbands near the tail. The young usually have more prominent blotches and facial markings than the adults. Some adults have no body markings.
The rostral scale usually comes into contact with more than 2 internasal scales.
Geographic range
Found in northwestern and north-central Arizona.
Habitat
The snake is found in a variety of habitats, including grassland, Great Basin Desert scrubland, bottoms in the Grand Canyon, rolling hills and bajadas in pinion-juniper woodland, and pine forests.
Behavior
It is primarily diurnal but can be active around the clock when conditions are favorable. The cryptic coloration and calm demeanor of this subspecies often allows it to escape detection from passersby.
Feeding
It feeds on squirrels, mice, lizards, and birds.