| Crotalus pusillus | |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Viperidae |
| Subfamily: | Crotalinae |
| Genus: | Crotalus |
| Species: | C. pusillus |
| Binomial name | |
| Crotalus pusillus Klauber, 1952 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Crotalus pusillus is a venomous pitviper species found in west-central Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.[3]
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Adult males may grow to more than 50 cm in length. Females are smaller. The largest recorded length for a specimen is 68.2 cm.[2]
Campbell and Lamar (2004) stated that they found this species only to be active during the day. Within its range, nighttime temperatures are low and apparently restrict its activity.[2]
Found in west-central Mexico in the Sierra de Coalcomán of southwestern Michoacán, the Transverse Volcanic Cordillera of west-central Michoacán, and in adjacent Jalisco. It is probably also found in northeastern Colima. The type locality given is "Tancítaro, Michoacán, Mexico, altitude 5,000 ft." (5,000 ft. = 3,000 m).[1] Occurs at elevations between 1,525 m and 2,380 m.[2]
This species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab(iii) (v3.1, 2001).[4] A species is listed as such when the best available evidence indicates that its extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 5000 km², estimates indicate that its range is severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than five locations, and that a continuing decline has been, observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of its habitat. Therefore it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The population trend is unknown. Year assessed: 2007.[5]