What key factor should immediately guide field identification between the two black-tailed rattlesnakes?
Answer
Placing the observation within the correct biogeographic zone
A crucial mental note for identification is determining the geographic zone, as *C. molossus* is found west of the Great Plains, while *C. horridus* subspecies are prevalent in the east.
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The venomous Black-tailed rattlesnake of Arizona. Crotalus molossus
Related Questions
What is the scientific classification for the Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake?If observing a black-tailed rattlesnake east of the Great Plains, which species is the likely candidate?Which characteristic is the most reliable field identifier for the tail of *Crotalus molossus*?How is the body pattern of the Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (*C. horridus* subspecies) typically described?Which region represents a primary range area for the Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake (*C. molossus*)?What key factor should immediately guide field identification between the two black-tailed rattlesnakes?In Arizona, *Crotalus molossus* is known to inhabit which combination of environments?The Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is technically a subspecies of which other species?What color is the terminal scale segment of *Crotalus molossus* immediately preceding the actual rattle segments?During the hottest parts of the summer, what activity pattern is *C. molossus* often observed employing?Compared to some of its relatives like the Western Diamondback, how does the head coloration of *C. molossus* often appear?