Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii - Desert Massasauga

Description:

This subspecies is more slender and smaller than S. c. tergeminus, reaching a maximum length of 53 centimetres (21 in).

The color pattern consists of a light gray or white base color, with dark gray or gray-brown blotches. They have a distinctive, dark stripe that runs along the side of the head which passes over the eye. Their rattles are significantly higher pitched than those of larger species of rattlesnake, sometimes giving them the nickname buzztail.

Compared to S. c. tergeminus, it is paler in color, and its belly is nearly white. Midbody, it has 23 rows of dorsal scales instead of 25, as well as fewer ventral scales and dorsal blotches.

Etymology

The subspecific name, edwardsii, is in honor of Colonel Dr. Lewis A. Edwards, U.S. Army surgeon, who collected the type specimen.

Geographic range

Found in the United States extreme southeastern Arizona, central and southern New Mexico, western Texas about as far north and east as the Colorado River, in the Rio Grande Valley, in many of the Gulf Coast counties about as far north as Brazoria, and on several barrier islands including North Padre Island, Matagorda Island and San José Island. In addition, isolated populations have been reported in northeastern Mexico. The type locality is listed as "Tamaulipas ... S. Bank of Rio Grande ... Sonora."

Habitat

Primarily found in rocky, semi-arid and arid areas. According to Conant (1975), it is mostly found in desert grasslands.

Behavior

They are primarily nocturnal, especially during the summer months when it is too hot for them to be active, but they will sometimes be found out sunning themselves.

Feeding

Their diet consists primarily of rodents, lizards and frogs.

Venom

Drop for drop, Massasauga venom is more potent than that of many larger species of rattlesnake, but due to the lower yield (the amount it is capable of delivering in a single bite) its potential for harm is greatly reduced. They are not considered to be deadly, but the venom is a powerful hemotoxin which can cause swelling, necrosis, and severe pain. Medical treatment should be sought immediately for any venomous snake bite. The antivenin CroFab, while not type specific, can be used to treat severe envenomations from Massasauga rattlesnakes.

Conservation status

The Desert Massasauga is listed as a species of concern in Colorado, due to its limited range in the state, and it is protected by Arizona state law. It is listed as a sensitive species by the United States Forest Service.