Crotalus culminatus Klauber, 1952

Common Name and Species Classification

Commonly known as the Northwestern Neotropical rattlesnake, Crotalus culminatus is a large rattlesnake species.

Adult Size

Adult individuals reach lengths between 100 and 180 cm, which is approximately 39 to 71 inches.

Body and Scale Characteristics

It has a heavy body covered in strongly keeled scales.

Base Coloration

Its base coloration is creamy yellow, which shifts to gray toward the tail.

Body Markings

It has diamond-shaped black markings along its back, and longitudinal lines on its neck.

Venom Type

This species produces myotoxic-hemotoxic venom.

Venom Effects

This venom can cause hemorrhaging, and induce localized paralysis through muscle damage.

Venom Toxicity to Humans

While it is less deadly to humans than some of its close relatives, it can still cause significant harm.

Geographic Distribution

Crotalus culminatus is distributed across most of southwestern Mexico.

Elevation Range

It inhabits a broad range of elevations, from near sea level up to 2285 meters in the Sierra de Coalcomán.

Habitat Preferences

It can live in arid environments, tropical scrub forests, savannas, and mesic forests, and rocky outcroppings are a core requirement of its habitat.