Description: Adults grow to an average length of 31–43 inches. The color pattern consists of a dark grayish, brownish black, reddish brown, or blackish ground color, overlaid with a dorsal pattern of blotches that are rectangular anteriorly, becoming subhexagonal posteriorly, eventually becoming crossbands just before the tail. However, specimens also may be a uniform dark color without any clear dorsal pattern, or the dorsal blotches may be even darker and bordered with white, cream, or yellow transverse rows of scales, or the color pattern may be quite pale with a significant amount of yellow mixed in. A postocular stripe is evident in lightly colored specimens, but not so much in darker ones.
Habitat: They are found primarily in mesic woodlands, mesquite scrublands and other habitats with abundant wood debris & leaf litter; but sometimes they may be found in grassland habitats.
Range: Found in the United States, in Arizona from the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of the state, southeast to the Santa Catalina, Rincon, Pinaleno and Blue Mountains. Also found at Steeple Rock, in extreme western New Mexico. The type locality given is "San Francisco Mountains" (Coconino County, Arizona, USA).
Venom: Arizona Black Rattlesnake Bites involving humans are uncommon, since the snake is generally found away from areas of human development. The snake can also avoid humans and other larger predators through thermal detection and vibration awareness Nevertheless, a bite from a fully-grown Arizona black rattlesnake has the potential to rarely result in envenomation (venom injection), which can cause mild to moderate symptoms, especially in the absence of adequate treatment. The snake venom is typically a potent mix of myotoxins and hemotoxins The signs and symptoms of Arizona Black Rattlesnake Bite may include mild pain, swelling, blistering, along with nausea and vomiting. The venom may have the potential to impair blood coagulation and breakdown the red blood cells, leading to severe systemic symptoms including shock and renal failure Early administration of suitable antivenom (or antivenin) is the mainstay of treatment for venomous snake bites. Apart from this, symptomatic treatment is necessary, which may include the use of pain medication and platelet (blood) transfusion. The prognosis of Arizona Black Rattlesnake Bite with prompt and effective therapy is usually good
Diet: It preys upon suitably sized amphibians, reptiles, birds and their eggs, and mammals.
Reproduction: Sexually mature females bear live young in broods of 4 to 21 neonates. The Arizona black rattlesnake is the first species of snake observed to exhibit complex social behavior, and like all temperate pit vipers, care for their babies. Females remain with their young in nests for 7 to 14 days, and mothers have been observed cooperatively parenting their broods.
Status: The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is listed as Secure in Arizona and listed as Vulnerable in New Mexico.
Taxonomy: The Arizona black rattlesnake was previously considered a species of the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), but has since been elevated to full species status.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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