6. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus and Sistrurus genera)
Rattlesnakes rank 6th in our list of most common snakes in America. They belong to huge snake genera Crotalus and Sistrurus, represented by American pit viper species. The name Crotalus is derived from “krotalon” which literally means rattle in Greek. There are 36 rattlesnake species, and around 70 subspecies. They are perhaps most recognizable North American snakes, with the range of habitat from Canada to Mexico, and Arizona being at the first place for the number of rattlesnake species (13). They prefer deserts and arid regions. Rattlesnakes are mostly nocturnal species that have developed “heat vision”, like all pit vipers, which enables them to locate their prey in the dark. They are venomous snakes with large fangs and they hiss and rattle loudly before they attack. They are thick-bodied snakes with recognizable triangular head, and they usually have diamond shaped patterns throughout the body.
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