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Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Scientific Name: Crotalus adamanteus
Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Venomous
A large snake- 25 to 90 inches long. Brown or tan above with dark brown, pale-edged, diamond-shaped markings. Dark band bordered by light stripes extends diagonally through eyes. T Tail has pale and dark rings. Scales are keeled (ridged) in 29 rows.
Range and Habitat
Found in open pinelands in upland portions of Tangipahoa, Washington, and St. Tammany Parishes. There are no more than eight verifiable records of this snake in Louisiana; the last one was recorded in 1995 near Franklinton.
Behavior
Rely on camouflage to avoid detection but will coil, rattle, and strike if threatened. Adults feed on small rabbits and large rodents. Give birth to 7 to 21 young.
Population Status
No record of a stable population in the state and is ranked as S1 (critically imperiled).
More Information
Possession or harvest of this species from the wild is illegal in the state of Louisiana.
A Restricted Snake Permit is required for possession of any native and non-native venomous snake species in Louisiana.