Western Diamond Rattlesnake — Part 2

Crotalus atrox, (B. & G.)

For this snake the technical name, Crotalus scutulatus, has been proposed, but the many variations connect it with Crotalus atrox. From the mountains near Tucson, Arizona, the writer has received many specimens and in all degrees of variation; while all of the examples are distinctly green, the pattern varies from a chain of rhomb-like markings (on a few) to a series of well separated, dark brown blotches. The average length is three and a half feet.

To Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, the writer is indebted for further information concerning this rattlesnake. Following is part of a letter from Dr. Stejneger, relating to some of the Tucson specimens:

"They are very interesting as they bear out my contention that Crotalus scutulatus is not a definable form, but only represents a tendency in the Arizona-Sonoran specimens to revert to the original condition, or else they represent the last vestiges of this condition, it making but little difference, with regard to the right of the form to have a name, which theory you adopt."