Habits of the Diamondback Rattlesnake

Two species of diamondback rattlesnake exist in North America: the eastern and western. The eastern rattlesnake is slightly larger, reaching lengths of up to eight feet compared to the western's seven. Also the eastern snake has darker markings along its back. Both snakes have a number of similarities in their habits as well as a few differences.

  1. Diet and Predators

    • Both species of diamondback are ambush predators, using venom to subdue prey. The snakes hide in a coiled position amid high grasses and shrubs waiting for prey to wander too close. They then strike launching forward up to a third of their own body length and bite the prey. The venom is injected through long, hollow fangs, a characteristic of all viper species. The diet for both species consists of small mammals, such as rats, gophers and rabbits, as well as birds. Although deadly killers, neither species is immune from predation themselves. When threatened the snakes assume the same coiled position as when hunting and shake the rattle on their tails as a warning.

    Range and Habitat

    • The eastern diamondback has a small range from southern North Carolina down into Florida and west into parts of Louisiana. Its favored habitat includes dry scrub land or pine woodland, where it has plenty of places to hide and wait for its prey. The western diamondback is slightly more widespread, ranging from Arkansas straight across the southern states to California. The species also is found in parts of northern Mexico. It can be found in a range of habitats, including rocky hillsides, desert flats and forested areas.

    Reproduction

    • Both species of diamondback reach mating age between 3 and 6 years, and mate during spring and fall. Diamondback rattlesnakes are born live and fully capable of delivering a deadly bite. The western rattler gives birth to between 9 and 14 young compared to the eastern's 12 to 24. For both species birth happens around late summer or early fall. Because the young are ready to defend themselves from birth, the mother leaves straight after they are born.

    Hibernation

    • During the cold winter months both species of diamondback go into hibernation, only coming out on warm days to bask. When the weather starts to cool down the western diamondback seeks out a communal den, such as a cave, which can hold dozens or hundreds of snakes. It stays in this den for almost the whole winter, and often is hungry and aggressive when it comes back out. The eastern diamondback is more solitary and finds a small animal burrow or a hole in a tree in which to spend the winter months alone.