• Source: Crotalus ravus

Crotalus ravus, commonly known as the Mexican pigmy rattlesnake or Mexican pygmy rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species, found only in Mexico. Three subspecies are currently recognized.




Taxonomy


A study using mitochondrial DNA strongly suggests that C. ravus is part of a species complex including Crotalus triseriatus, Crotalus pusillus, Crotalus aquilus, and Crotalus lepidus. This study also confirmed strong genetic differentiation among the three subspecies aligning with geographic barriers. A follow-up study using seven nuclear markers places S. ravus basal to all other members of the species complex.




= Subspecies

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Description


Adults of this species usually grow to a length of 40–65 centimetres (16–26 in), but may reach more than 70 cm (28 in). They are moderately stout in build.
The distinguishing characteristics for the nominate subspecies C. r. ravus include parietal scales that are highly variable in shape and particularly large, less than 3 prefoveals, 21 midbody dorsal scales, 2–4 tail bands and a relatively large rattle.




Distribution


Found only in Mexico in the mountains in the center and south of the country, west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Its range includes the southeastern part of the Mexican Plateau in the highlands of Mexico, Morelos, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Veracruz, Oaxaca, and the Sierra Madre del Sur in Guerrero. The type locality given is the "Table land of Mexico." Cochran (1961) interpreted this to be the "south tableland, Veracruz, Mexico."
Campbell and Lamar (2004) describe this species as being found across the Mexican Plateau in the temperate regions of moderate to high elevations. They estimate the vertical distribution to be from about 1,490 metres (4,890 ft) above sea level to a little over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) altitude.




Conservation


Although being listed as of "Least Concern" by the IUCN, C. ravus was listed as "threatened" by the Mexican government in 2010.




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• Ular-derik besar
• Crotalus ravus
• Crotalus
• List of crotaline species and subspecies
• List of snakes by scientific name
• List of reptiles of Mexico
• El Tepozteco National Park
• List of least concern reptiles
• IUCN Red List data deficient species (Chordata)