Crotalus durissus (Cascabel Rattlesnake)

Crotalus durissus, commonly known as the tropical rattlesnake, is a species of venomous snake that belongs to the viperine family and lives mainly in Central and South America. It is one of the most emblematic snakes in the region due to its distinctive defense mechanism: the rattle or rattle at the tip of its tail, which produces a characteristic sound when shaken rapidly, alerting potential threats or predators to its presence. This rattle is composed of hollow segments of keratin that collide with each other when shaken, emitting a dry, vibrating noise.

The Crotalus durissus can reach lengths of up to two meters, although it generally measures around 1.5 meters. Its body is robust and of variable coloration, with shades ranging from light gray, brown or yellow to olive green, always decorated with a pattern of diamonds or dark stripes along its body. This pattern allows it to blend in with its surroundings, such as arid or wooded areas, making it easier to hunt and defend itself. The head is triangular and wide, a common feature in venomous snakes, and its eyes have vertical pupils, adapted for hunting at night or in low-light conditions.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Crotalus durissus is its potent venom, which is injected through its long, hollow fangs located at the front of its jaw. The venom of this snake is highly toxic and contains neurotoxins, hemotoxins and enzymes that attack the nervous and circulatory systems of its prey. When biting, the venom can cause paralysis, tissue destruction, internal bleeding and, if left untreated, death in its victims. However, the tropical rattlesnake rarely attacks humans if it does not feel threatened or cornered, preferring to flee or rattle its rattle as a warning.

The Crotalus durissus is an opportunistic predator that feeds primarily on small mammals, such as rodents, as well as birds, lizards and other reptiles. It usually hunts by stalking its prey, using its excellent sense of smell and vibration detection to locate it. Once the prey is close, it launches a quick attack, injecting the venom through its fangs. After the bite, the snake waits for the venom to take effect before following the trail of the weakened or dead prey to ingest it.

Regarding its habitat, the Crotalus durissus is found in a wide variety of environments, from tropical rainforests to semi-arid areas and savannahs, although it tends to prefer open areas with good vegetation cover. It is a solitary and territorial snake, spending most of its life on the ground, although it may occasionally climb trees or hide in burrows. During the colder months, this snake may reduce its activity and seek shelter in warm places until temperatures rise again.

Despite its fearsome reputation, the Crotalus durissus plays a crucial role in controlling populations of rodents and other small animals, contributing to the ecological balance in its habitats.

Approximate measurements of the Crotalus:

• Scale 1:2 Complete

• Length 180 mm
• Height 100 mm
• Width 163 mm
• Snout-tail length 810 mm
• Scale 1:1 Complete

• Length 360 mm
• Height 326 mm
• Width 200 mm
• Snout-tail length 1650 mm