Crotalus horridus

Crotalus horridus
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Viperidae
Subfamily:	Crotalinae
Genus:	Crotalus
Species:	C. horridus
Binomial name
Crotalus horridus Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms
Crotalus horridus Linnaeus, 1758 Crotalus boiquira Lacépède, 1789 Crotalus atricaudatus Latreille In Sonnini & Latreille, 1801 Crotalus zetazomae Brickell, 1805 Crotalinus cyanurus Rafinesque, 1818 Crotalus catesbaei Hemprich, 1820 Crotalurus cyanurus - Rafinesque, 1820 Caudisona horrida - Fleming, 1822 C[rotalus]. horidus - Gray, 1825 (ex errore) Crotalus durissus var. concolor Jan, 1859 Crotalus durissus var. melanurus Jan, 1859 C[rotalus]. durissus var. mexicana Jan, 1863 Crotalus fasciatus Higgins, 1873 Crotalus horridus var. atricaudatus - Garman, 1884 Crotalus horridus - Boulenger, 1896 Crotalus durissus cincolor - Notestein, 1905 (ex errore) Crotalus horridus horridus - Gloyd, 1935 Crotalus horridus atricaudatus - Gloyd, 1935 Crotalus horridus - Collins & Knight, 1980[1]

Common names: Timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake,^[2] and others.^[3]

Crotalus horridus, the timber rattlesnake, is a species of venomous pitviper found in the eastern United States. This is the only rattlesnake species in most of the populous northeastern United States.^[4] No subspecies are currently recognized.^[5]

Description

Adults usually grow to an average length of 91–152 cm (35.8-59.8 in).^[4] The maximum reported length is 189.2 cm (74.5 in)(Klauber, 1956). Holt (1924) mentions a large specimen caught in Montgomery County, Alabama, that had a total length of 159 cm (62.6 in) and weighed 2.5 kg (5.5 lb).^[6]

The dorsal scales are keeled^[7] and arranged in 21-26 scale rows at mid-body (usually 25 in the south and 23 in the north). The ventral scales number 158-177 in males and 163-183 in females. Males have 20-30 subcaudal scales while females have 15-26. The rostral scale is normally a little higher than it is wide. In the internasal-prefrontal area there are 4-22 scales that include 2 large, triangular internasal scales that border the rostral, followed by 2 large, quadrangular prefrontal scales (anterior canthals) that may contact each other along the midline, or may be separated by many small scales. Between the supraocular and internasal, only a single canthal scale is present. There are 5-7 intersupraocular scales. The number of prefoveal scales varies between 2 and 8. Usually the first supralabial scale is in broad contact with the prenasal scale, although slightly to moderately separated along its posteroventral margin by the most anterior prefoveals.^[6]

Dorsally they have a pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on a yellowish brown or grayish background. The crossbands have irregular zig-zag edges, and may be V-shaped or M-shaped. Often a rust-colored vertebral stripe is present. Ventrally they are yellowish, uniform or marked with black.^[8] Melanism is common, and some individuals are very dark, almost solid black.^[9]

Geographic range

C. horridus in motion in southwestern Georgia.

Found in the eastern United States from southern Minnesota and southern New Hampshire, south to east Texas and north Florida^[10] The type locality given is "America", although Schmidt (1953) proposed that this be restricted to "vicinity of New York City" (USA).^[1]

McDiarmid et al. (1999) also states that its range includes southern Ontario in Canada,^[1] but in May 2001, the Canadian Species at Risk Act listed it as extirpated there.^[11]

Although several experts disagree, many were found in some of the thick forest areas of central, and southeastern Iowa, mostly within the Mississippi, Skunk, Iowa, and Des Moines River valleys, in several places in these areas, bites from Timber Rattlesnakes have been widespread, especially in a localized area of Geode State Park, in southeastern Henry County, along Credit Island Park, in southern Scott County, and in the forested areas of southern Clinton County.^{[citation needed]}

In Pennsylvania it is not found West of Chestnut Ridge, which is in the Laurel Highlands, nor is it found in the Southeastern corner of the state. Thus its range does not include the areas of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, the two largest cities in Pennsylvania.^[12]

Habitat

Generally, this species is found in deciduous forests in rugged terrain. During the summer, gravid (pregnant) females seem to prefer open, rocky ledges where the temperatures are higher, while males and non-gravid females tend to spend more time in cooler, denser woodland with a more closed forest canopy.^[13]

Female timber rattlers often bask in the sun before giving birth, in open rocky areas known as "basking knolls".^[14]

C. horridus among the leaves.

During the winter, Timber Rattlesnakes hibernate in dens, in limestone crevices, often together with Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Black Rat Snakes (Elaphe obsoleta).^[15]

Feeding

Their prey is mainly small mammals, but may include small birds, frogs, or other snakes. Although capable of consuming other rattlesnakes, the most common snakes they eat are garter snakes.^[13]

Venom

Potentially, this is one of North America's most dangerous snakes, due to its long fangs, impressive size and high venom yield. This is to some degree offset by its relatively mild disposition.^[16] Before striking, they often do a good deal of preliminary rattling and feinting.^[17] Cist (1845) described how he lived in western Pennsylvania for many years and that the species was quite common there, but that in all that time he heard of only a single death resulting from its bite.^[2]

The head of a Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake).

There is considerable geographic and ontogenetic variation regarding the toxicity of the venom; something that can be said for many rattlesnake species. Four venom patterns have been described for this species: Type A is largely neurotoxic and is found in various parts of the southern range. One effect of the toxin can be generalized myokymia [1]. Type B is hemorrhagic and proteolytic and is found consistently in the north and in parts of the southeast. Type A + B is found in areas where the aforementioned types apparently intergrade in southwestern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. Type C venom has none of the above components and is relatively weak.^[16]

The neurotoxic component of the Type A venom is referred to as canebrake toxin, and is a phospholipase A₂. It is analogous to the neurotoxins found in the venoms of several other rattlesnake species and, when present, contributes significantly to the overall toxicity. Other components found in the venom include a small basic peptide that works as a myotoxin, a fibrinogen-clotting enzyme that can produce defibrination syndrome, and a bradykinin-releasing enzyme.^[16]

CroFab antivenom, while not specific for C. horridus, is used to treat envenomations from this species.^[18]

Symbol

The timber rattlesnake was designated the state reptile of West Virginia in 2008.^[19] That state's legislature praised "...a proud contribution by the eighth grade class at Romney Middle School, from West Virginia's oldest county, in West Virginia's oldest town, [see "Romney, West Virginia"] to have been instrumental in making the timber rattlesnake the state reptile..."^[20]

This snake became a prominent symbol during the American Revolution in part because it had a fearsome reputation. The use of the timber rattlesnake as a symbol of American anger and resolve to defend itself was no idle threat. During the period of 1763-1787, medical knowledge was not up to the challenge of treating a timber rattlesnake's bite. First of all, at the time, European standards of medical practice were based on the ideas and concepts of Galen, where disease was caused by imbalances in the body; this was the standard to which all doctors practicing medicine in the colonies were trained.^{[21][unreliable source?]} Because of the then poorly understood effects on the nervous or hematological system of this species' venom, a physician would prescribe a course of action that wound up killing the patient faster (bleeding with leeches) or prescribing herbs without testing of their efficacy as a cure beyond imitation of Native American practices^{[22][unreliable source?]} (This was further complicated by the venom's ability to kill within the space of one day in a world where doctors were fewer.) Secondly, Linnaeus only described and identified this snake in 1758: firsthand experience with timber rattlesnakes among London scientists would have been poor, the flora and fauna of the colonies would have been disdained as savage by thinking circles^[23] and so published information on its habits would have been thin, allowing for hearsay and superstition to grow on both sides of the Atlantic.^{[citation needed]}

Taxonomy

The subspecies C. h. atricaudatus (Latreille in Sonnini and Latreille, 1802), often referred to as the canebrake rattlesnake,^[2] is currently considered invalid.^[24] Previously, it was recognized by Gloyd (1936) and Klauber (1936). Based on an analysis of geographic variation, Pisani et al. (1972) concluded that no subspecies should be recognized. This was rejected by Conant (1975), but followed by Collins and Knight (1980). Brown and Ernst (1986) found evidence for retaining the two subspecies, but state that it is not possible to tell them apart without having more information than usual, including adult size, color pattern, the number of dorsal scale rows and the number of ventral scales. Dundee and Rossman (1989) recognized atricaudatus, but others take a more neutral point of view.^[6]

Conservation status

This species is classified as "least concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.^[25] Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is down. Year assessed: 2007.^[26]

The timber rattlesnake is listed as endangered in New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Indiana and Ohio, and it is threatened in New York, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota and Texas.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• List of crotaline species and subspecies
• Crotalus by common name
• Crotalus by taxonomic synonyms
• Crotalinae by common name
• Crotalinae by taxonomic synonyms
• Snakebite

References

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b c} McDiarmid RW, Campbell JA, Touré T. 1999. Snake Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, vol. 1. Herpetologists' League. 511 pp. ISBN 1-893777-00-6 (series). ISBN 1-893777-01-4 (volume).
2. ^ ^{a b c} Wright AH, Wright AA. 1957. Handbook of Snakes. Comstock Publishing Associates. (7th printing, 1985). 1105 pp. ISBN 0-8014-0463-0
3. ^ See Category:Crotalus by common name
4. ^ ^{a b} Conant R. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Second Edition. First published in 1958. Houghton Mifflin Company Boston. 429 pp. 48 plates. ISBN 0-395-19979-4. ISBN 0-395-19979-8 (pbk.).
5. ^ "Crotalus horridus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=174306. Retrieved 8 February 2007. 
6. ^ ^{a b c} Campbell JA & Lamar WW (2004). The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere (2 volumes). Comstock Publishing Associates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2. ^{[page needed]}
7. ^ Behler JL & King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-394-50824-6. ^{[page needed]}
8. ^ Boulenger, G.A.. 1896. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume III. London. page 579.
9. ^ Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. page 301.
10. ^ Conant, Roger & Collins, Joseph T (1998). Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern/Central North America. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0-395-90452-8
11. ^ Crotalus horridus at Species at Risk Public Registry. Accessed 23 June 2008.
12. ^ Conant, Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, second edition. Houghton Mifflin. Boston. Map 178.
13. ^ ^{a b} Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet at NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Accessed 8 February 2007.
14. ^ Furman, 2007: p.133
15. ^ Schmidt, K.P. and D.D. Davis. 1941. A Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. page 301.
16. ^ ^{a b c} Norris R. 2004. Venom Poisoning in North American Reptiles. In Campbell JA, Lamar WW. 2004. The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca and London. 870 pp. 1500 plates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2.
17. ^ U.S. Navy. 1991. Poisonous Snakes of the World. US Govt. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 203 pp. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.
18. ^ Crotalus horridus horridus at Munich AntiVenom INdex. Accessed 27 March 2008.
19. ^ "Senate concurrent resolution 28 (bill status 2008 regular session)". West Virginia Legislature. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/Resolution_History.cfm?year=2008&sessiontype=RS&input4=28&billtype=cr&houseorig=s&btype=res. Retrieved February 22, 2011. 
20. ^ "Senate concurrent resolution no. 28". 1st session of the 80th legislature. West Virginia Legislature. 2008. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/resolution.cfm?billdoc=scr28%20amended.htm&yr=2008&sesstype=RS&i=28. Retrieved February 25, 2011. 
21. ^ http://www.history1700s.com/articles/article1016.shtml^{[unreliable source?]}
22. ^ http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_virginia_snakeroot.htm^{[unreliable source?]}
23. ^ Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything (New York: Broadway Books, 2004), p. 81.
24. ^ "Crotalus horridus atricaudatus". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=174307. Retrieved 27 September 2006. 
25. ^ Crotalus horridus at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 13 September 2007.
26. ^ 2001 Categories & Criteria (version 3.1) at the IUCN Red List. Accessed 13 September 2007.

Bibliography

• Furman, Jon (2007). Timber rattlesnakes in Vermont and New York: biology, history, and the fate of an endangered species. UPNE. ISBN 9781584656562. http://books.google.com/books?id=S5bM83jWl9YC. 

Further reading

• Brown CW, Ernst CH. 1986. A study of variation in eastern timber rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus Linnae (Serpentes, Viperidae). Brimleyana 12: 57-74.
• Cist C. 1845. The Cincinnati Miscellany or Antiquities of the West. Cincinnati, vol. 1, pp. 1–272.
• Collins JT, Knight JL. 1980. Crotalus horridus Linnaeus. Timber rattlesnake. Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles. 253.1-253.2.
• Gloyd HK. 1936. The cane-brake rattlesnake. Copeia 1935(4): 175-178.
• Holt EG. 1924. Additional records for the Alabama herpetological catalogue. Copeia 1924(136): 100-101.
• Klauber LM. 1936. Key to the rattlesnakes with summary of characteristics. Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist. 8(2): 185-176.
• Klauber LM. 1956. Rattlesnakes: Their Habitats, Life Histories, and Influence on Mankind. 2 volumes. University of California Press, Berkeley. 1476 pp.
• Pisani GR, Collins JT, Edwards SR. 1972. A re-evaluation of the subspecies of Crotalus horridus. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 75: 255-263.
• Schmidt KP. 1953. A check list of North American amphibians and reptiles, 6th ed. American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, Chicago. 280 pp.

External links

• Crotalus horridus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 December 2007.
• Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) at Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management. Accessed 8 February 2007.
• Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus at Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management. Accessed 8 February 2007.
• Timber Rattlesnake - Crotalus horridus at Herpnet.net, Reptiles and Amphibians of Iowa. Accessed 15 June 2007.
• Account of severe C. horridus envenomation at venomousreptiles.org. Accessed 12 December 2007.
• Canebrake Rattlesnake photos at Handyman Services in Durham, NC. Accessed 7 August 2007.
• Canebrake rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) at Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Accessed 7 August 2007.
• Snakes of Louisiana at Kingsnake.com. Accessed 7 August 2007.
• Timber Rattlesnakes Facts and Pictures.
• Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet at New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Accessed 14 December 2008.
• Timber Rattlesnake, Natural Resources Canada