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Diamond-back Rattlesnake
Colouration.—Olive or grayish green, with a chain of large, diamond markings of a darker hue, these with bright yellow borders about the width of a single scale. The rhombs usually enclose a patch of the ground-colour; toward the tail they become obscure and finally fuse into cross-bands; the tail above is olive, ringed with black. The abdomen is dull yellow.
Dimensions.—The largest specimen measured by the writer was eight feet, three inches in length. Its diameter was four and a half inches, and the head three and a quarter inches wide. Specimens of such dimensions are rare. This large specimen was captured in the central portion of the Florida peninsula. The measurements quoted are of a specimen taken in the vicinity of the Indian River, Florida:
Distribution.—Low, coastal regions of the southeastern United States, from southern North Carolina southward throughout Florida and westward to the Mississippi River. The species is most abundant in Florida and occurs on many of the keys.
Largest of the rattlesnakes. Fully adult specimens are from six to eight feet long. The body is stout and heavy, the head very broad, flat and distinct from the neck.
On the top, the head is brown or olive, with numerous dark spots. Beneath the eye is a dark band, bordered on each side with a narrow band of bright yellow.
With the exception of a more vivid pattern, young specimens are like the parent.
Total Length . . . . . 6 feet, 3 inches.
Length of Tail, exclusive of rattle . . . . . 6 inches.
Length of Rattle, 9 segments . . . . . 2 1/2 inches.
Greatest Diameter of Body . . . . . 4 inches.
Width of Head . . . . . 2 7/8 inches.
Length of Head . . . . . 3 inches.
The fangs of this specimen were seven-eighths of an inch in length.
Compared with the most deadly known species of poisonous snakes of the world, the Diamond-back Rattlesnake ranks second to none. Its huge fangs, and enormous poison glands, represent the maximum degree of deadliness attained by the viperine serpents. The well-known and terrible bushmaster, (Lachesis mutus) of tropical South America attains a larger size than this rattlesnake and consequently has larger fangs, but a careful examination of the fangs of the two species will show that the opening at the tip of the tooth for the ejection of venom is proportionately much larger with the Crotalus. The other rival of our big rattlesnake, in point of supreme deadliness, is the king cobra or hamadryas, (Naja bungarus) of Malaysia. But this is a slender-bodied colubrine snake, and, while attaining a length of twelve feet, has fangs that are barely a third of an inch long. Its venom acts in a different fashion from that of the vipers--immediately attacking the nerve centres.
In the structure of the fangs the Diamond-back Rattlesnake, its near ally the western diamond rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, and the variety ruber, together with the black-tailed rattlesnake, C. molossus, are interesting examples, for these serpents have proportionately larger fangs than other venomous snakes of the United States. In this character they appeal directly to the South American species of Lachesis--the bushmaster--the fer-de-lance * (Lachesis lanceolatus. South America and the West Indies.)--the jararaca (Lachesis atrox. South America and the West Indies.) and others that have enormously developed, poison conducting teeth.
Habits of the Diamond-back Rattlesnake
Most deadly of the North American poisonous snakes and ranking in size with the largest of the tropical venomous serpents of both the New and the Old World, this huge Rattlesnake with its brilliant and symmetrical markings, is a beautiful and a terrible creature. Ever bold and alert, ever retaining its wild nature when captive, there is a certain awe-inspiring grandeur about the coil of this formidable brute; the glittering black eyes, the slow waving tongue, and the incessant, rasping note of the rattle. All dignity, the "Diamond-back" scorns to flee when surprised. His neighbour, the cane-brake rattler, may retreat in good order, rattling as he goes, but retreating nevertheless; with this pirate of the hummocks, it is different. The mere vibration of a step throws the creature upon guard. Taking a deep inhalation, the snake inflates the rough, scaly body to the tune of a low, rushing sound of air. Shifting the coils to uncover the rattle, this is "sprung" with the abruptness of an electric bell. There is no hysterical striking, but careful watching, and if the opportunity to effect a blow with the long fangs is presented, the result is generally mortal.
If outstretched, when surprised, the snake invariably throws the body into a symmetrical coil, doubling the neck into an S-shaped loop with the head drawn well back and within the circle of the body. Various rattlesnakes of the West, the copperhead snake and the moccasin will strike from various positions and often aim blows while crawling, but the Diamond-back persists in its perfectly round and graceful coil, while on the defensive. To observe a large specimen taken unawares and literally fling itself into fighting position, is to see determination and courage that exists among few reptiles. Occasionally, though rarely, a Diamond-back will glide for cover if disturbed. This is the case when a hiding place is immediately adjacent. Generally described this serpent might be said to be the most courageous of the North American snakes.