Crotalus culminatus

Crotalus culminatus, the Northwestern Neotropical rattlesnake, is a species of venomous snake in the genus Crotalus found in Mexico.

Etymology

The specific name, culminatus, comes from the Latin words "culmen" and "-atus", referring to this snake's strong vertebral ridge.

Description

The Northwestern Neotropical rattlesnake is a large species, with adults reaching lengths of 100 to 180 cm. It has a heavy body with strongly keeled scales. The coloration is creamy yellow, becoming gray towards the tail, with diamond-shaped black markings on the back and longitudinal lines on the neck.
This species has a myotoxic-hemotoxic venom, which can cause hemorrhaging and induce localized paralysis via muscle damage. While it is less deadly to humans than some of its close relatives, it can still cause significant harm.

Geographical range

Crotalus culminatus is found across much of southwestern Mexico, inhabiting a wide range of elevations from near sea level up to 2285 meters in the Sierra de Coalcomán. It can be found in arid environments, tropical scrub forests, savannas, and mesic forests, with rocky outcroppings being central to its habitat needs.

Diet

This species is likely a generalist predator, with reported prey items including rodents, lizards, and small birds.