Black-tailed rattlesnake
A species of Rattlesnakes, Also known as Northern black-tailed rattlesnake, Western black-tailed rattlesnake Scientific name : Crotalus molossus Genus : Rattlesnakes
Black-tailed rattlesnake, A species of Rattlesnakes
Also known as:
Northern black-tailed rattlesnake, Western black-tailed rattlesnake
Scientific name: Crotalus molossus
Genus: Rattlesnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By sullivanribbit , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Crotalus molossus is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Four subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Black-tailed rattlesnake is primarily an obligate carnivore, feeding mainly on small rodents particularly rabbits and squirrels, and occasionally birds. This species exhibits sit-and-wait predatory strategy, ambushes prey, then delivers venomous bite.
Appearance
Black-tailed rattlesnake is a robust, medium-sized snake with keeled scales. Mostly pitch black, they have dotted white or pale-yellow bands around their bodies, broad heads, and rattling tails signaling their presence. The species shows no significant discrepancies between age groups or genders, nor does it have subspecies.
Behavior
Black-tailed rattlesnake is predominantly nocturnal, primarily coming out to hunt during the cooler hours of the evening. It's a solitary species, with aggressive territorial behavior, showing rattling as a warning signal. Their survival is facilitated by their efficient camouflage within their rocky habitats, often going unnoticed until they move or rattle.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Rattlesnakes Species
Black-tailed rattlesnake 
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