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Crotalus vs Sistrurus
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by sloblk8 on June 3, 2008
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Stupid question probably but why is there a differance in the scientific name of the two? I figured a small rattle was still a rattle and I know that it means rattle and rattle tail which are simular but why not just call it a crotalus?
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RE: Crotalus vs Sistrurus
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by Cro on June 3, 2008
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Chris, there is a science called Taxonomy that attempts to group animals.
At first, this classification system used similar features like the presence of a rattle, or coloration, body structure, scale counts, and range to help identify related animals.
More resently, Taxonomists are looking at the ancestry of animals to devide them into groups. This is now possible due to mDNA science. This looks at the Genetic Heritage of the animal.
Originally, the Sistrurus rattlesnakes were seperate because of the presence of 9 large scales or shields on the top of the head. The Crotalus rattlesnakes had a large number of smaller scales on the top of the head.
That science worked ok as long as they were using only the form or shape of the snake, but became obsolete with Mitochondrial DNA.
But in the most basic form, it takes more than a rattle to make a rattlesnake.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards John Z
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RE: Crotalus vs Sistrurus
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by Cro on June 6, 2008
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Shelby, you are exactly right.
The Crotalus Rattlesnakes are more advanced.
The Sistrurus Rattlesnakes are a more ancient form.
Best Regards John Z
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RE: Crotalus vs Sistrurus
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by sandiegoan on June 11, 2008
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You seem to have technical knowledge on rattlesnakes and can possibly enlighten me. I read that rattlesnakes are either Crotalus or Sistrurus, but I remember a book that said a third group was Akistrodon (sp). Is this correct, and can you explain differences. Thanks for any help.
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RE: Crotalus vs Sistrurus
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by soberwolf on June 13, 2008
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Sandi,
Akistrodon is a pit viper but not a Rattlesnake. Copperheads and Cottonmouth are in the Akistrodon family. Shelby
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