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Massasauga Rattlesnake
Sistrurus catenatus
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ContextPhylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Serpentes Family: Viperidae |
Distribution
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Physical Characteristics
Adult length is 16-40.5 in. (40-100 cm). The dorsal pattern is similar to that of the Prairie
(Western) rattlesnake, with dark brown blotches that stand in contrast to the usually
gray or tan-gray ground color. However, there are nine large scale plates on the crown of the
head and the rattle is very small compared to that of other regional rattlesnakes. Broad dark
eyestripe is present, and the underside of the snake is pale and usually unmarked in western
specimens.
Central New York and southern Ontario, continuing diagonally across the U.S. to extreme
southeastern Arizona and Gulf Coast of Texas. Sea level to around 5500 ft. (1680 m). Rare and
spottily distributed in the El Paso region, with historically known populations north and
northwest of Las Cruces in New Mexico.
Often called the "swamp rattler" of the eastern U.S., this snake occurs from desert grasslands
to river bottoms and swamps. In the western U.S., it seems to favor desert grasslands and
prairies with deep sandy soils.
The Massasauga feeds mostly on mammals (mice, rats, squirrels), but will also consume lizards,
snakes, and amphibians.
Live-bearing. Birth usually occurs from July-September, with brood size averaging 2-19.
Newborn are generally 7-9.5 in. (18-24 cm) in length.
William D. Beltran, July 1997.
Last Update: 21 November 2000.
Habitat
Diet
