What characteristic coloration defines the tail of mature Black-tailed Rattlesnakes?
Answer
Solid black or very dark gray
The defining physical characteristic that grants the Black-tailed Rattlesnake its common name is the appearance of its tail in adult specimens. Mature individuals typically exhibit a tail that is uniformly colored, appearing either solid black or a very dark gray hue. This contrasts with the body coloration, which can be highly variable, ranging through shades of gray, brown, and blackish tones due to chromatic plasticity. Furthermore, juveniles display a key difference: while their tail tips are black, the segment directly preceding the rattle often retains banding, unlike the solid black appearance characteristic of older adults.
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