Crotalus lepidus
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 Mottled rock rattlesnake, Crotalus lepidus lepidus
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| Crotalus lepidus Kennicott, 1861 |
The Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) is a small, venomous rattlesnake species found in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and much of northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango, Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco). The species currently has four recognized subspecies.
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[edit] Description
Rock rattlesnakes are relatively small rattlesnakes, rarely exceeding 32" in length. They have a large, rounded head, and fairly heavy body for their size, with eyes that have vertical pupils. Like other rattlesnakes, their tail has a rattle on it, which is composed of keratin. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle, but the rattle is fragile and may break off, and the frequency of shedding can vary, so the snake's age cannot be determined by its length or number of segments.
Rock rattlesnake color varies greatly, but generally reflects the color of the rock in their natural environment. Snakes found near areas that are predominantly limestone tend to be a light grey in color, with darker grey banding. Snakes found at higher altitudes have darker colors. Specimens of the mottled rock rattlesnake (C. l. lepidus) from the Davis Mountains region often exhibit a more pink coloration, with dark grey speckling rather than distinct banding.[1] The banded rock rattlesnake (C. l. klauberi) gets its common name from its distinctive, clean banding, often with little speckling or mottling.
[edit] Behaviour & diet
Rock rattlesnakes in general are not aggressive snakes. They tend to rely heavily on their camouflage, and will often not strike or even rattle their tails unless physically harassed. They spend most of their life in rocky outcroppings and talus slopes, which is where they get their name from. Man-made road cuts are often a favorite place. They are primarily nocturnal, feeding on small mammals, lizards and sometimes frogs. Rock rattlesnakes are often more active at colder temperatures than other rattlesnake species.
Their venom is primarily a haemotoxin, but has been known to have significant neurotoxic effects as well. While not type specific, the polyvalent antivenin CroFab is generally used to treat serious rock rattlesnake envenomations.
[edit] Reproduction
Rock rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous. They breed once a year, in the spring, and give birth approximately 4 months later to 6-8 young. The young generally look like miniature versions of the parents and take 3 or more years to mature.
[edit] In captivity
Two species of rock rattlesnakes (C. l. lepidus and C. l. klauberi) are frequently available in the exotic animal trade, and are well represented in zoos around the world. They are sought after for their wide array of potential colorations, and typically docile nature. Most available are wild caught; captive breeding, while not unheard of, is not commonplace. The two species found only in Mexico are not often found in captivity outside of Mexico.
[edit] Conservation status
C. lepidus lepidus is listed as a threatened species by the US state of New Mexico, but the state of Texas does not protect it. Its habitat is largely inaccessible, and not currently threatened by human development, though it is gradually becoming more and more fragmented. Its primary threat is over collection for the exotic animal trade.
[edit] Subspecies
| Subspecies | Authority | Common name | Geographic range |
|---|---|---|---|
| C. l. klauberi | Gloyd, 1936 | Banded Rock Rattlesnake | Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico (south to Jalisco) |
| C. l. lepidus | Kennicott, 1861 | Mottled Rock Rattlesnake | New Mexico, Texas, Mexico (Chihuahua) |
| C. l. maculosus | Tanner, Dixon & Harris, 1972 | Durango Rock rattlesnake | Mexico (Durango, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco) |
| C. l. morulus | Klauber, 1952 | Tamaulipan Rock rattlesnake | Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental) |
