Monster of The Desert: Mojave Rattlesnake(Pit Viper) - Crotalus Scutulatus

 Mojave rattlesnake is a highly poisonous pit viper species occurring in southwestern United States and central Mexico. The snake’s venom is regarded as the most potent among other rattlesnakes inhabiting the world. Currently, there are two recognized subspecies of this species.

Mojave Rattlesnake(Pit Viper)

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Subphylum	Vertebrata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Serpentes
Family	Viperidae
Subfamily	Crotalinae
Genus	Crotalus
Scientific Name	Crotalus scutulatus

Nicknamed the Mojave green, the Mohave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is the most venomous snake found on the monument. The venom, potent in neurotoxins that attack the nervous system and hemotoxins that attack the blood should make this snake high on anyone's list to avoid.

Not to be confused with the Western rattlesnake, the Mojave rattlesnake has a greenish tinge that the Western rattlesnake lacks. The Mojave rattlesnake averages between 2-4 feet in length and are usually distributed between a wide variety of arid habitats. They show preference for the desert flatland with sparse vegetation including creosote bush, cacti, mesquite, and Joshua tree woodlands. During April through September the snake is most active throughout the night and during the cooler hours of twilight. 

Mojave rattlesnakes use existing rodent burrows for brumation during the winter months. The snakes use this process to slow their metabolism. While they can go months without food, they do have to wake from brumation to drink water. While brumation can bring on a hearty appetite in the spring, food is not the only thing rattlesnakes are looking for. They are also looking for a mate. While rattlesnakes generally move away from threats, some males may become aggressive during this time and chase potential threats. 

Female rattlesnakes produce eggs that hatch internally allowing rattlesnakes to be born live. The average brood consists of 2-11 young which are left to fend for themselves after birth. The newborn snakes lack a full rattle at the end of the tail. Instead they are born with a single silent button that will have an additional button added to it each time they shed their skin.

Range:

Southern Nevada to Puebla, near south edge of Mexican plateau; western edge of Mojave Desert, California, to extreme western Texas.

Habitat:

Chiefly a snake of high desert and lower mountain slopes. Habitats vary from barren desert to grassland and bushland. It seems to be common in areas of scattered scrubby growth such as creosote bush and mesquite.

Characteristics:

Well-defined light-edged diamonds or hexagons line the middle of the back. The light scales of the pattern usually unmarked and light-colored. Ground color is a greenish grey, olive-green, or occasionally brownish or yellowish. A white to yellowish stripe from behind the eye to behind the corner of the mouth. Tail with contrasting light and dark rings.

Behavior:

Despite its similarity to the Western diamondback, its venom is much more virulent, a fact that makes the Mojave rattlesnake one of the most dangerous poisonous snakes in the United States.

Reproduction:

These are live-bearing snakes, usually giving birth to 2-11 young. The young are 9-11 inches in length at birth.