Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus Adamanteus

Scientific Name

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake:  
Crotalus Adamanteus

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

This rattler may be found in the coastal lowlands of southeastern United States, including North and South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and eastern Louisiana.

Natural Habitat

They occupy palmetto flat woods, pinelands and sand hills.

Physical Characteristics

  • The average length of this rattlesnake is between 2 ½ and six feet. Its triangular shaped head contains loosely connected jawbones so that is can swallow animals larger than its head. It has a heat sensory pit on each side of its head. Their tongue is forked and their eyes have vertical irises. It can readily be identified by its diamond shaped coloration pattern which is dark brown or black. The outlining row contains cream-colored or yellowish scales.

Quick Facts

  1. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes will share the gopher tortoise’s burrow for shelter.

  2. It is a large, venomous, impressive and potentially dangerous snake.

  3. It can strike up to 2/3 of its body length.

Exhibit

Amphibian and Reptile Center

Conservation Status

Least Concern: The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.

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Diet

Carnivore

This snake eats rabbits, rodents and birds.