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New Crotalus Species/subspecies?
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by DerekK on October 4, 2000
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What might be the scientific name of the elusive critter known as the Canadian Diamondback ? Is this critter only endemic to Canada and if so where does it specifically occur ? Does this critter appear in one or many phases?
What is the composition of the critter's Venum? I am of the impression that the Canadian Diamondback is mucho grande in comparision to Crotalus adamanteus,however, is extremely friendly. I have only seen one Pic of this rare Snattlerake of which it appears to be quite photogenic.
Remarks Please,
Derek K.
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RE: New Crotalus Species/subspecies?
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by Charper on October 4, 2000
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All good questions. Sounds like someone needs to do some research on this happy little rattlesnake. I believe the only known photo is in our Photo Album under "Site Members".
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New Crotalus Species/subspecies!
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by Buzztail1 on October 5, 2000
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What might be the scientific name of the elusive critter known as the Canadian Diamondback ?
My guess is Crotalus canuckensis, being its own species on a par with atrox and adamanteus.
Is this critter only endemic to Canada and if so where does it specifically occur?
Like most northern populations this one will be severely restricted to a very few small localized populations.
Does this critter appear in one or many phases?
Probably each small population shows great variance in both size and color.
What is the composition of the critter's Venum?
Little venum research has been done but there have been no known human fatalities although the fatality rate for monsterus underthebedus appears to near 100%.
I am of the impression that the Canadian Diamondback is mucho grande in comparision to Crotalus adamanteus,however, is extremely friendly. I have only seen one Pic of this rare Snattlerake of which it appears to be quite photogenic.
I seem to recall from my college Ecology and Wildlife Management courses that northern animals tend to be larger to allow them to carry more fat to protect them against harsh winters.
Just playin' along, Derek. Regards, Karl
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RE: New Crotalus Species/subspecies!
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by DerekK on October 5, 2000
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Karl,
Crotalus canuckensis in my opinion would be taxonomically correct, but Crotalus monsterus underthebedus is quite unusual being that it is subspecies of no species. I am surprised that C. m. underthebedus(mortality rate near 100%), is not listed amongst the Top Ten Deadliest, Most Dangerous, Lethalist, Nastiest,Ugliest, ect.
Derek
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No no no no...misunderstood...
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by Buzztail1 on October 5, 2000
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Monsterus underthebedus would be the preferred prey item for Crotalus canuckensis thereby being the #1 reason that they are so often found in urban dwellings with small children.
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RE: No no no no...misunderstood...
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by DerekK on October 5, 2000
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Dah, must have been temporarily Braindead, however, did like the phrase subspecies of no species Ha! Ha! Ha! Crotalus canuckensis vrs monsterus underthebedus" VERY GOOD" Ha! Ha! Ha! Karl thanks much for playing along, seldom do I revert from my normal serious nature.
Derek
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RE: New Crotalus Species/subspecies?
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by NUMBER18 on October 7, 2000
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The Canadian Diamondback (tentatively named Crotalus furryepidermis) is fairly new to science. Only a handful of specimens are known. The specimen in the photo was acquired as a prize at an amusement park (something I usually don't condone, but in this case, the animal was too beautiful and rare to pass up).
The species is definitely the most unique crotaline known. The scalation is somewhat different from all other snakes. The current theory is that the fur-like outer layer of scales aids in keeping the snake warm in colder Canadian climates. The absence of a rattle string, is similar, perhaps, to C. catalinensis, although it is my personal observation that the species sheds very infrequently, if at all, and therefore doesn't add segments very often.
The most unusual size to weight ratio of the species is completely baffling to herpetologists (the specimen shown is approaching ten feet in length, and yet, only weighs about two pounds). Diet appears to include light, furry animals such as small teddy bears, but records do exist of the species having consumed large purple dinosaurs.
Color pattern remains a mystery, as the coloration in the shown specimen is typical, lending to absolutely no value for camouflage that most other snakes depend on. Other specimens have had strange blue and even purple markings.
Nothing is known of the species' venom compostion, yet the current theory is one of high yield, low toxicity, as most prey items are already inanimate. Strangely, the species shows no defensive postures whatsoever towards humans, and seems to be completely trusting of them. One of the calmest rattlers I've ever known, that's for sure.
I have had this specimen for over 12 years. The animals has yet to shed a single skin, and has never defacated. Honestly, an IDEAL captive specimen. I believe my specimen to be a female, since is is more affectionate toward male humans than female, but this is strictly a guess. I can't probe the animal, as there is no visible cloaca.
Hope that answers a few questions
Steve
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RE: New Crotalus Species/subspecies?
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by Buzztail1 on October 8, 2000
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Way to go Steve! There is nothing that can compare to keeping great notes on captive care. LOL Karl
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RE: New Crotalus Species/subspecies?
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by DerekK on October 11, 2000
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Karl,
I concurr, Steve has obviously conducted an in depth study of this rare snattlerake. I was especially confounded with regard to the length/weight ratio. Steve's elaboration was truly outstanding!
Derek K.
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