Rattlesnake: Scientific Name & Classification of Rattlesnake

The scientific name of a Rattlesnake is Crotalinae. Rattlesnakes are one of the 33 venomous species, wherein the venom released by them causes damage to the circulatory system along with swelling and hemorrhage of the muscle tissues. Rattlesnakes are named after the rattle which is located at the end of their tail. They make a loud rattling sound as a means to deter the predators. However, this does not stop them from falling prey to many animals including humans.

Key words: Rattlesnake, Reptilia, Crotalinae, Scientific Name, Taxonomy

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Classification of Rattlesnake

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Rattlesnakes, also known as Crotalinae, belong to class Reptilia and family Viperidae. The subfamily, also the scientific name, is Crotalinae. There are said to be 33 different species of rattlesnakes that are further broken upto 83 subspecies. 

Rattlesnakes are distributed over a wide variety of habitats, mainly found in Southern Canada and Central Argentina. However, maximum concentration of this species is in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Moreover, a majority of rattlesnakes are blotched with dark geometrical shapes over a light colored skin.

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Facts about Rattlesnake

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The following are some popular facts and characteristics about Rattlesnakes (Crotalinae):

• Rattlesnake grows another section of its rattle every time it sheds its skin.
• The largest rattlesnake is the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake which is also the longest venomous snake found in North America.
• Thousands of rattlesnakes gather to hibernate when the temperatures drop.
• The strike speed of a rattlesnake while attacking is 2.95 m/s² which is much faster than the response time of a human. 
• Rattlesnakes constantly need to keep their body hydrated, and hence drink at least about their own body weight.
• The length of an adult rattlesnake varies from 0.5 to 2 meters. 

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Things to Remember

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• The scientific name of rattlesnakes is Crotalinae.
• Rattlesnakes are venomous reptiles with over 33 different species.
• They are densely located in southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
• Rattlesnakes live mostly in hot places, hence seek comfort in hibernation in the cold months of winters.
• Rattlesnakes drink their own body weight to keep themselves hydrated.

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