The Scoop
Superior resilience, unique features
The Western Diamondback is one of the most unique and resilient animals on Earth. This snake survives and thrives in a multitude of different environments such as arid deserts, green forests, grasslands, and even damp coastlines. The snake’s resilience comes from its ability to protect itself from predators with its venomous bite as well as find shelter in any type of climate or weather condition. The Western Diamondback is a cold-blooded animal and will often be found staying warm but not too hot by lounging under the shade by day and burrowing into the ground at night.
Western Diamondbacks are covered with diamond patterns on their backs which give the snake its signature name. They also come in a variety of hues and colors based on their environment making this snake very distinct. They will grow on average around 4 feet long but can range anywhere from 3 feet all the way to 7 feet long! Western Diamondbacks are also known for their signature rattle tail. This tail is made up of skin that has been shed and has hardened, every year when the snake molts a piece is added on to the tail and the rattle grows one segment at a time. when two pieces of the rattle are shaking together it makes that signature sound that is used to ward off predators.
Western Diamondbacks can have up to 25 baby snakes at a time, known as a brood. A Western Diamondback baby is incubated in an egg but that egg breaks open inside the mother snake resulting in a live birth. These baby snakes are fully functioning at birth and immediately go out and survive on their own. Within a few hours after the baby snakes are born, their mother leaves them to fend for themselves.
Quick Facts
- Western Diamondbacks live in a multitude of different environments, from deserts to woodlands to the coast.
- A Western Diamondback is cold blooded and will spend most of the day staying warm but not too hot in the shade and will go into hibernation during the cold months.
- A Western Diamondback’s rattler is made up of Keratin, the same thing that makes up your fingernails and hair.
Other Facts
- Western Diamondbacks will feed on anything from insects to small animals.
- Western Diamondbacks can move their rattlers very quickly, up to 60 times a second.
- A Western Diamondback can last for up to 2 years without food.
Resource List:
- https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=174310#null
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/kids/oz/long-fact-sheets/Diamondback%20Rattlesnake.php
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/04/060406101718.htm
- https://americanexpedition.us/learn-about-wildlife/western-diamondback-rattlesnake-information-facts-photos-and-artwork/
