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Context
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Serpentes Family: Viperidae |
Distribution
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Adult length is 28-49.5 in (70-126 cm). This species is easily identified by its black tail, of which extends from the rattle, ending abruptly at the body. Other characteristics include patches of light scales within dark crossbands and unicolored scales. According to Stebbins(1985:230), "Back with black or brown blotches or crossbands of irregular outline, each edged with whitish and having a single or double patch of light scales at the center. Dark markings toward front and middle of back sometimes diamond-shaped."
Northern Arizona to the southern edge of the Mexican Plateau; extending west to east from western Arizona to Edwards Plateau of central Texas. Elevation ranges from sea level to around 9600 ft. (2930 m).
Crotalus molossus is known to inhabit mountain terrain consisting of rockslides, outcrops, areas near cliffs, and stream courses or washes.
Like most large rattlesnakes, the Black-tailed Rattlesnake feeds mostly on mammals (mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits), but will also consume lizards, birds, and bird eggs.
Live bearing. Birth usually occurs from July through August with a brood size that varies from 3-6. Young measure about 9-11.75 in (23-30 cm) long and are similar to adults except for the dark crossbands visible on the tail.
According to collections done by Kinniburgh on the eastern and western slopes of the Franklin Mountains (El Paso, Texas), Crotalus molossus was collected in arroyos supporting oak, hackberry, cottonwood, and ash along channels of intermittent streams.
William D. Beltran, July 1997.
Last Update: 27 Jul 2005
