
Photo credit:
Alan Harper.
Common name
Tortuga Island Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Crotalus tortugensis
Conservation Status
Federal and State Protections
Countries of Occurrence
Mexico
States or Providence
Baja California
Counties
Isla Tortuga
Adult size
Species Description
This medium-sized rattlesnake is endemic to Isla Tortuga in the Gulf of California. It is most closely related to the western diamondback rattlesnake and is differentiated by a less distinct diamond pattern and scalation, especially on the head. It occurs in dry, rocky habitat, often dried than mainland Mexico. Little else is known about the natural history and ecology of the Isla Tortuga rattlesnake.
Fun fact: Isla Tortuga was formed by a volcano; snakes, presumably the western diamondback rattlesnake, migrated about 25 miles over water to colonize the island and establish themselves as a new species. It is unknown when the volcano last erupted.