The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a species of venomous pit viper of the family Viperidae. They are native to the forested wetlands of the southeastern United States. The eastern diamondback is one of the world's heaviest venomous snakes (comparable to the Gaboon viper and the king cobra) and the largest species of rattlesnake. They typically reach 1.1 to 1.7 m (3.5 to 5.5 ft) in length and 0.8 to 4.9 kg (1.8 to 10.8 lb) in weight, although the largest specimen measured 2.4 m (7.8 ft) and 15.4 kg (34 lb). An eastern diamondback weighs twice as much as a king cobra of the same length.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake actively forages or lies in ambush for small animals including rodents, lizards, and birds. Because of their large size, adults have no problem eating prey as large as fully grown cottontail rabbits. Rattlesnakes use a cocktail of hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom to shut down the heart and nervous system of their prey. While not especially suited for climbing, they are known to be excellent swimmers.
Trivia[]
- Eastern diamondbacks have been known to hybridize in the wild with the timber rattlesnake to create the batwing rattlesnake.
- The eastern diamondback rattlesnake was the first animal symbol of the United States.