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Poisonous rattlesnakes are the most dangerous reptiles of their kind. The reptile is protected by a kind of rattle that warns of danger and asks the enemy to move away. Cases have been recorded that indicate that the Texas rattlers could even be tamed. The special sound emanating from the snake frightens and attracts at the same time. But let's not get ahead of ourselves and reveal all the cards, we will study the features of these individuals in order.
Description
- By Texas rattleshell is meant a large-sized individual, which along its length can grow up to 2.6 m. With weight indicators of 6 kg. In fact, there are much smaller representatives, for example, 1.6 m each with a mass of 2-4 kg. Reptiles of the scaly species are confined to the subfamily of the foxhole.
- The reptile is pigmented by its dark color, therefore it is not particularly striking.The upper part of the body is colored brownish or gray, the abdominal part is light, beige or light, gray. Stripes and whitish specks are scattered all over the body, they create a diamond-shaped pattern.
- The tail of a reptile is famous for other colors. It is evenly pigmented with black and white stripes, which alternate with each other with special clarity. The strips become small and narrow when they are located at the very end of the tail.
- The cranium is rather wide and flattened. The body itself is taut, not swollen, slim and powerful at the same time. The eyes are large, the format is rounded, the pupils are drawn out. Poison teeth are empty, long, sharp, like needles. They dig in and start poisoning the prey.
- For a number of main teeth are additional. As for the rattle, it is concentrated on the edge of the tail, represents 20 segmentation of old skin. Particles are connected as links. The rattle serves to scare away enemies.
- These representatives of the species prefer to dwell in Mexico and southwest America. Love shrub and stony areas, dryness. They hunt small birds, rodents, lizards.They reach sexual maturity at 3 years old, after mating the female brings from 5 to 20 cubs. The mating process sometimes takes the whole day.
- These snakes have the strongest poison that instantly affects the central nervous system. If you do not provide assistance, the person will die. Snakes show the greatest aggression when breeding or mating. By the number of deaths bringing these individuals in the United States first.
Nutrition
- Virtually all birds and mammals, which the snake is able to swallow entirely, become prey for the Texas rattlesnake. It is worth noting that the size of the mouth of such a snake is really impressive. She can swallow very large prey. Even a rattlesnake, as small as 1 m, can swallow an adult rabbit.
- The examined individuals hunt in two ways. The snake can trap prey in a secluded place or independently attack a potential victim. When the rattlesnake goes in search, it looks in absolutely all the holes and cracks.
- It is worth noting that the individuals represented are completely deaf. However, nothing prevents them from sensitively reacting to temperature changes.In addition, these snakes are very sensitive to the slightest vibration. They are created by animals when moving.
Special features
- It's no secret that a man has always experienced a terrible fear of rattlesnakes. Such stereotypes have developed due to the allegedly increased aggression and danger of the snake. If you go deeper, it is worth noting that the reptiles are very calm creatures.
- They never attack those who are many times larger than them. However, if you provoke a snake, it will naturally be forced to defend itself. It is because of the bad reputation that rattlesnakes are paying the price. In the southern part of the United States, such individuals are massively destroyed.
Lifestyle
- When the cold comes, the individuals in question are active only in the daytime. And such snakes tend to bask in the sun. As for the summer season, with unbearable daytime heat, the reptiles begin to be nocturnal.
- In the daytime such snakes try to rest in their holes. Most often, their homes are located in the crevices of the rocks. During the mating season, snakes perform a kind of mating dance.They do not hurt each other, however, they show their strength.
During the wintering period, up to 30 considered individuals may gather in one underground dwelling. Thus, they survive the cold by warming each other. Do not forget that the snake is poisonous, so do not provoke them to attack.
Video: Texas rattler (Crotalus atrox)
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