Querétaro dusky rattlesnake
A species of Rattlesnakes Scientific name : Crotalus aquilus Genus : Rattlesnakes
Querétaro dusky rattlesnake, A species of Rattlesnakes
Scientific name: Crotalus aquilus
Genus: Rattlesnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By everflores , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Crotalus aquilus is a venomous pit viper species found in the highlands of central Mexico. No subspecies is currently recognized. The specific name, aquilus, is Latin for "eagle" and refers to the high altitude at which this species is found.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Querétaro dusky rattlesnake is a carnivorous species majorly feeding on small mammals. Primarily, it preys upon rodents like rats and mice, with the occasional inclusion of other small vertebrates in its diet.
Appearance
Querétaro dusky rattlesnake is a medium-sized, robust snake with keeled scales, bearing a significant rattle at the end of a tapering tail. Its dorsal coloration is dark brown with a pattern of darker, irregular bands. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, as females are generally larger than males. Juveniles are paler, with patterns becoming fuller and darker as they mature.
Behavior
Querétaro dusky rattlesnake is a solitary nocturnal creature, primarily active after sundown. Its most distinctive behavior includes the use of innate rattle sound to warn off potential predators. Querétaro dusky rattlesnake locates its prey through heat-sensing capabilities. Its diet is largely composed of small mammals and reptiles. Querétaro dusky rattlesnake exhibits prominent territorial behavior, fiercely defending its habitat when threatened.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By everflores , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Rattlesnakes Species
Querétaro dusky rattlesnake