Crotalus atrox Baird and Girard, 1853

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Species recognized by P Uetz, TIGR Reptile Database external link in 
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC) external link Showing: scientific names

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Crotalus atrox Baird and Girard, 1853

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Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard, 1853
Crotalus atrox
Crotalus atrox
Crotalus atrox

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Table of Contents

General Description

Fangs fold for storage: western diamondback rattlesnake

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©2008-2009, The Biomimicry Institute. Some rights reserved external link
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The curving fangs of a western diamondback rattlesnake are stored when not in use by folding against the roof of the mouth via hinges.

   
  "A western diamondback rattlesnake strikes at an intruder. The snake's jaws are specially hinged to allow it to open them extremely wide. This is necessary because the fangs curve inwards and need to be plunged vertically into the prey. When not in use they are folded back against the roof of the mouth (see diagram). The snake's windpipe is protruding at the bottom of its mouth -- this is so that the snake can still breathe after it has a mouthful of prey." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:149)
  Learn more about this functional adaptation.
References
  • Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Breathing occurs even with full mouth: diamondback rattlesnake

Source and Additional Information
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AskNature external link
Copyright
©2008-2009, The Biomimicry Institute. Some rights reserved external link
Editor
The Biomimicry Institute
Location
Source URL
View original data object external link
Citation

 

The windpipe of a western diamondback rattlesnake allows breathing with a mouthful of prey because it protrudes from the bottom of the snake's mouth.

   
  "A western diamondback rattlesnake strikes at an intruder. The snake's jaws are specially hinged to allow it to open them extremely wide. This is necessary because the fangs curve inwards and need to be plunged vertically into the prey. When not in use they are folded back against the roof of the mouth (see diagram). The snake's windpipe is protruding at the bottom of its mouth -- this is so that the snake can still breathe after it has a mouthful of prey." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:149)
  Learn more about this functional adaptation.
References
  • Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.
Aaron Corbit. Curator. "Crotalus atrox Baird and Girard, 1853". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/795269". Accessed 14 Mar 2010.