Crotalus polystictus

Common names: Mexican lance-headed rattlesnake.^[2]

Crotalus polystictus is a venomous pitviper species found in central Mexico. No subspecies are currently recognized.^[3]

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

Weighing the right way

Description

Adults usually grow to 60-70 cm, although exceptionally large specimens may be as much as 100 cm in length.^[2]

Geographic range

Found on the plateau of central Mexico from southern Zacatecas and northeastern Colima east to east-central Veracruz. Occurs at elevations between 1,450 m and 2,600 m. The type locality given is "Table Land, Mexico", although a restriction to "Tupátaro, Guanajuanto, Mexico" was proposed by Smith and Taylor (1950).^[1]

Conservation status

This species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (v3.1, 2001).^[4] Species are listed as such due to their wide distribution, presumed large population, or because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category. The population trend is down. Year assessed: 2007.^[5]

See also

• List of crotaline species and subspecies
• Crotalus by common name
• Crotalus by taxonomic synonyms
• Crotalinae by common name
• Crotalinae by taxonomic synonyms
• Snakebite

References