Massasauga Rattlesnake(Pit Viper) - Sistrurus Catenatus
Massasauga rattlesnake is a species of venomous snake occurring in the midwestern North America. Like all rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper. There are three recognized subspecies of this species. Massasauga Rattlesnake Kingdom Animalia Phylum Chordata Subphylum Vertebrata Class Reptilia Order Squamata Suborder Serpentes Family Viperidae Subfamily Crotalinae Genus Sistrurus Scientific Name Sistrurus catenatus What is an eastern massasauga rattlesnake? Appearance: Massasaugas are small snakes with thick bodies, heart-shaped heads and vertical pupils. The average length of an adult is about 2 feet. Adult massasaugas are gray or light brown with large, light-edged chocolate brown blotches on the back and smaller blotches on the sides. Young snakes have the same markings, but are more vividly colored. Other snakes that look similar include the fox snake, milk snake and hognose snake. Habitat: Massasaugas live in wet areas including wet prairies, marshes and low ...