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Family: Crotalidae

The Crotalids (Crotalidae - Family), may be either slender or thick-bodied. Their heads are usually much wider than their necks. These snakes take their name from the deep pit located between the eye and the nostril. They are commonly brown with dark blotches, though some kinds are green.

CLICK HERE TO SEE ANIMAL WEBCAMS Identification of Crotalidae

Snake Species & Sub-Specie Scientific Classification

CROTALIDAE
EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE	MOJAVE RATTLESNAKE
WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE	TROPICAL RATTLESNAKE

There are about 27 species of rattlesnakes in the United States and Mexico. They vary in color and may or may not have spots or blotches. Some are small while others, such as the diamondbacks, may grow to 2.5 meters long.

There are five kinds of rattlesnakes in Central and South America, but only the tropical rattlesnake is widely distributed. The rattle on the tip of the tail is sufficient identification for a rattlesnake.

Most will try to escape without a fight when approached, but there is always a chance one will strike at a passerby. They do not always give a warning; they may strike first and rattle afterwards or not at all.

Families: Colubridae | Crotalidae | Elapidae | Viperidae | Laticaudinae & Hydrophidae See also:   How to Avoid Snake Bites | Poisonous Snake Bites Effects | Snake Venom | Snake Fangs Snakes: Diamondback Rattlesnake | King Cobra | Spitting Cobra | Kingsnakes & Milk Snakes