Sistrurus

Common names: ground rattlesnakes, pigmy rattlesnakes, massasaugas.^[2]

Sistrurus is a genus of venomous pitvipers found in Canada, the United States and Mexico.^[1] Three species are currently recognized.^[3]

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Description

Sistrurus species differ from the larger rattlesnakes of the genus Crotalus in a number of ways. They are smaller in size, but also their scalation is different: Sistrurus species have nine large head plates (same as Agkistrodon), whereas with Crotalus (and almost all other viperids) the head is mostly covered with a large number of smaller scales. Sistrurus species have a relatively small rattle that produces more of a high-pitched, buzzing sound than a rattle, like Crotalus.

Geographic range

Found in southeastern Canada, the eastern and northwestern United States, as well as isolated populations in northern and central Mexico.^[1]

Venom

Although bites from Sistrurus species are regarded as less dangerous to humans, primarily due to the lower venom yield, every venomous snake bite should be considered serious and prompt medical treatment should always be sought.

Species

*) Not including the nominate subspecies (typical form).
^T) Type species.^[1]

See also

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

References