photo by Jake Zadik
Latin Name: Crotalus adamanteus
Species: Reptile
Conservation Status: S2 - Imperiled
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a large rattlesnake, reaching up to 98 inches long, although most range from 39-59 inches with males getting larger than females. They are named for the brown or olive-colored diamonds on their back, outlined in white or yellow. Their tail has 3-10 brown and white bands that terminate in a rattle, and their head has 2 light stripes on either side. They have two “pits” between their eye and nostril, which are heat-sensing organs used to detect infrared radiation produced by warm-blooded prey. Their black eyes have vertically elliptical pupils. These snakes are venomous and they have fangs.
Range & Habitat (map)
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake occurs from Florida to North Carolina and west to Louisiana. In South Carolina, their range is confined to the lower coastal plain in places like pine savannas, open mixed forest, pine flatwoods, old fields, barrier islands, and edges of salt marshes.
Diet
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are ambush predators and may stay for weeks in one spot waiting for prey to come by. They strike prey that passes by and inject venom, then release the animal to crawl away to die. They then locate the dead animal with their excellent sense of smell. Their prey includes rabbits, squirrels, rats, voles, birds, and even dead animals.
Life History
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are long-lived and mature slowly, reaching sexual maturity at 2-3 years old and living up to 20 years. Mating occurs in spring, summer, or fall and gestation may be 200 days. Pregnant snakes seek shelter in gopher tortoise or armadillo burrows and give live birth to 12-24 snakes. Females will stay with their young up to 10 days until their first shed. Females will reproduce every 2-3 years.
Significance
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes play an important role in the food web as prey for many animals and by controlling populations of pest animals like mice and rats. By eating rodents (and the bugs that live on them) they help control the spread of diseases carried by these animals. They can also serve as bioindicators of a healthy environment, and their absence may signal problems in the environment. Their venom can also be useful in creating antivenom, medicines, or scientific research.
Threats & How You Can Help
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes depend on fire-maintained open habitat, which is being lost. Rattlesnakes often have little protection because of negative public attitudes towards them. As a result, they are also impacted by species-specific collecting and persecution by humans. If you see one of these snakes in the wild, it is important to give it space and leave it alone.