A Survey of the Herpetofauna of the Comanche National Grasslands in Southeastern
Colorado
Appendix 7:
Photographs of selected habitat and species of amphibians and
reptiles observered during the 1995-1997 field seasons
 |
| Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis). This large
male (>1000 mm) was found crossing Highway 160, which runs through the
southern section of the Grasslands. Prairie rattlesnakes are commonly
encountered on both sections of the Grasslands in most habitats. Note
the typical defensive posture, with the head and forebody raised; snakes
often retreat in this posture. |
 |
| Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsi). Massasaugas
are uncommon on the Grasslands, but are more frequently encountered
further north. However, a new population we discovered in Baca County
suggests that massasaugas may still be present in areas which have not
been overly disturbed. Maximum adult length in Colorado is approximately
525 mm. |
Previous Section -- Lined snake (
Tropidoclonion
lineatum lineatum) & Lined snakes "ventral picture"
Return to Contents
Next Section -- Western hognose snake "anterior end"
(
Heterodon nasicus nasicus) & desert massasauga "anterior end" (
Sistrurus
catenatus edwardsi)
