Crotalus pusillus

Common names: Tancitaran dusky rattlesnake.^[2]

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

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Description

Adult males may grow to more than 50 cm in length. Females are smaller. The largest recorded length for a specimen is 68.2 cm.^[2]

Behavior

Campbell and Lamar (2004) stated that they found this species only to be active during the day. Within its range, nighttime temperatures are low and apparently restrict its activity.^[2]

Geographic range

Found in west-central Mexico in the Sierra de Coalcomán of southwestern Michoacán, the Transverse Volcanic Cordillera of west-central Michoacán, and in adjacent Jalisco. It is probably also found in northeastern Colima. The type locality given is "Tancítaro, Michoacán, Mexico, altitude 5000 feet."^[1] Occurs at elevations between 1,525 m and 2,380 m.^[2]

Conservation status

This species is classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with the following criteria: B1ab(iii) (v3.1, 2001).^[4] A species is listed as such when the best available evidence indicates that its extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 5000 km², estimates indicate that its range is severely fragmented or known to exist at no more than five locations, and that a continuing decline has been, observed, inferred or projected in the area, extent and/or quality of its habitat. Therefore it is considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. The population trend is unknown. 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