Neotropical Rattlesnake

Crotalus durissus terrificus

Range

• South America

Habitat

• Grasslands

Diet

• Rodents
• Lizards
• Small birds

The most widely distributed member of its genus, its name in Spanish is “Cascabel”.

This species delivers one of the worst bites of any member of its family. The venom (not poison) is primarily neurotoxic, which affects the nervous system and causes blindness, paralysis, and death. Each scale has a raised center ridge called a “keel” which gives the snake a rough appearance.