Fangtastic Facts
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
(Crotalus adamanteus)
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is one of over 30 rattlesnake species found throughout the world. It is the longest and heaviest venomous snake in North America and occurs throughout the eastern United States. Like other rattlesnakes, it has a distinctive rattle, which it shakes to warn off potential predators. They are classified as pit vipers, because of facial pits located between each eye and nostril. They use these pits to detect warm-blooded prey or predators, as they are extremely sensitive to heat.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) uses its rattle to warn off predators. Photography: © Amanda Long
Description
Weighing in at around 6kg, this heavily built snake has a bulky appearance and can reach lengths of up to 2.4 metres. It has a large, thick body that can appear black-grey, muddy grey, or olive-green. Its tail is often a different colour from its body and is banded with dark rings over a brown to grey base. At the end of the tail is a rattle that is made of up to 10 loose segments. It is often distinguished by a dark brown or black diamond-shaped pattern that runs along its back, as well as a dark stripe that passes across the eyes, bordered by lighter lines of scales. The scales are strongly keeled, and the body has a relatively dull appearance. They have large heads, with adult specimens weighing around 4.5kg on overage. Like other pit vipers, they have a pit between each eye and nostril, that detects heat and helps them track warm-blooded prey.
Important: Colour, markings and overall appearance can vary considerably between individual snakes. Photographs, descriptions and information on this website should not be relied upon to identify a potentially venomous snake. If you encounter a snake, keep your distance and leave identification and removal to trained professionals.
An eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) resting among pine needles, showing the dark stripe across its eyes and the forward‑facing heat‑sensing pit used to detect warm‑blooded prey. Photography: © Amanda Long
Distribution
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake populations have decreased significantly, with the species considered very rare or virtually absent from the northern and western extremes of its range, including North Carolina and Louisiana. In contrast, it remains locally common in parts of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, although populations continue to face pressure from ongoing habitat loss.
Habitat
This species inhabits coastal pine forests, scrublands, dunes and woodlands, and relies on stump holes, brush piles and abandoned animal burrows for shelter.
Diet
As an ambush predator, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes often wait beside logs, animal burrows or fallen tree roots for their next meal to arrive. Their main food source comes from rodents, birds, rabbits and squirrels. Hunting normally occurs at night, and the snake uses its heat pits to detect warm-blooded prey. When they identify a food source, they can strike up to two-thirds of their body length and use a strike and release method. Soon after, they track down their dying prey and consume it.
They play an important role in reducing rodent populations and preventing the spread of disease.
Reproduction
Diamondbacks are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young that hatched from eggs within the mother’s body. Males fight each other during mating season, entwining and trying to push each other to the ground. Mating season occurs in the late summer and fall. Six to seven months after mating, 6 to 25 live young are born, usually in the safety of a hollow log or burrow.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes can live for 20 years or more.
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) displays its striking chain of dark diamonds; each bordered with pale scales that create one of the most iconic patterns in the reptile world. Photography: © Amanda Long
Venom
The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is primarily hemotoxic, killing red blood cells and causing tissue damage. It also disrupts nerve and muscle function and can have necrotising effects. Fortunately, antivenom for this species is widely available, and with prompt administration of the antivenom, fatalities are rare.
Predators
Juveniles are more vulnerable than adults and are sometimes preyed upon by hawks, hogs, raccoons, grey foxes, coyotes and kingsnakes.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List currently lists the eastern diamondback rattlesnake as a species of least concern. However, habitat loss and intentional killing have contributed to declining populations, and the species is considered rare in some areas where it was once more widespread.
Although the eastern diamondback rattlesnake is not currently protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, its conservation status is being considered. A request has been made for the species to receive federal protection, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is assessing whether it meets the requirements for listing.
Fangtastic Fact
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake babies are born with just a single button at the tip of their tail, which forms the foundation of their future rattle. The rattle is made from keratin, the same tough material found in our hair and fingernails. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. So, while these tiny rattlesnake babies are born with the beginnings of their signature rattle, they’ll need to grow a little before they can start building their full collection of rattling segments!
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