Species of the Month Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Crotalus ruber ruber

1. Species of the Month Northern Red Diamond Rattlesnake Crotalusruberruber Jearu

2. Red Diamond Rattlesnake • Member of the pit viper family, related to water moccasins and copperheads in the southeast • Range extends from the southwestern corner of southern California southward through the Baja peninsula • Species of special Concern • Threats include loss of habitat and negative interactions with humans • Venomous • Rusty red coloration with diamond pattern of scales • Can grow to be over 4 feet long • Rattle on end of trail used to deter predators

3. Red Diamond Rattlesnake • Become active in the spring when weather warms up • Mating occurs in the spring- males exhibit a combat “dance” to complete for females • Females give birth to live young, three to twenty young are born July through September • Diet consists of small mammals, lizards, and birds

4. Monitoring and Management • Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 338,672 acres of suitable habitat • Habitat is diverse and includes sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, and riparian • Include in the MSHCP Conservation area at least 10 Core Areas (populations), and linkages • Maintain the continued use of 75% of the Core Areas • The monitoring objective of 75% has been met for this species. • Reserve assembly is ongoing

5. Thank You Steven Mcsweeny