Pit Viper - Pit Vipers

  Lance-headed rattlesnake is a poisonous pit viper species of snake occurring in central Mexico. Currently, there are no recognized subspecies of this species. Lance-headed Rattlesnake Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Subphylum Vertebrata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Suborder Serpentes Family Viperidae Subfamily Crotalinae Genus Crotalus Scientific Name Crotalus polystictus Description The lance head rattlesnake's scientific name, Crotalus polystictus, translates from the Greek "poly" meaning many and "sticto" meaning spotted, describing the snake's general appearance. The characteristic dark spots that mark lance heads are unique to this species of rattlesnake. They are often oval or elongated toward the front of the body and more circular toward the middle of the animal. The snake's coloration ranges from tan or brown to gray and sometimes white. An orange-brown stripe also runs along this species back, most noticeably between spots.  Lance head ratt...