Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

“I put a lot of thought into which species I should highlight for this opportunity, and I landed on the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). Due to its prolific nature, it is often overlooked. However, it is as common and widespread as it is because it is the perfect and most adaptable generalist species. It covers a wide variety of habitats and biomes—from grasslands and deserts to coniferous forests and even urban environments. It is the most observable species, providing us with a comprehensive look at the natural history of rattlesnakes as a whole. It shouldn’t be overlooked because it holds the keys to a lot of information and context about the environment we live in.” – Jeff Martineau