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Red Diamond Rattlesnake

Red diamond rattlesnake is a moderately large, poisonous, pit viper species occurring in the United States and Mexico. The species is mainly nocturnal and crepuscular during excessive hot weather, but also active during daytime when the temperature is moderate. Currently, there are three recognized subspecies of this species.

Scientific Classification
Quick Information

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Subphylum	Vertebrata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Serpentes
Family	Viperidae
Subfamily	Crotalinae
Genus	Crotalus
Scientific Name	Crotalus ruber

Other Names	Red Rattlesnake, Red Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Red Diamond Snake, Red Rattler
Length	100 – 150 cm; largest recorded specimen measures 162 cm
Color	Reddish-tan, reddish-brown or brick red ground color with diamond-shaped patches on the back; dull yellow underside with black and white rings surrounding the tail
Distribution	Southwestern California (United States) and Baja California (Mexico)
Habitat	Arid scrub, coastal chaparral, woodlands, rocky grassland, cultivated areas, desert slopes of the mountains, rocky desert flats
Diet	Rabbits, ground squirrels, lizards, birds, other snakes
Hibernation Fact	Hibernate during winter
Venom Fact	Venomous
Breeding Season	February – April
Mode of Reproduction	Ovoviviparous (producing young by means of eggs hatched inside the body of the parent)
Litter Size	3 to 20 young
Gestation Period	5 to 6 months
Reproductive Age	Around 3 years of age in case of females
Average Lifespan	In wild: 15 to 16 years In captivity: Around 19 years
IUCN Conservation Status	Least Concern