Rattlesnakes produce their distinctive rattling sound through interlocking segments at the end of their tails. Each shed adds a new segment, though rattles don't always reflect age.
Equipped with heat-sensing pits, rattlesnakes can detect infrared radiation. This allows them to "see" the warmth of their prey in complete darkness.
The composition of rattlesnake venom varies widely between species and locations. It can be cytotoxic, neurotoxic, or hemotoxic, impacting prey and threats in different ways.
Rattlesnakes use their rattles primarily as a warning mechanism. This sound alerts potential threats to their presence, often avoiding unnecessary conflicts.
Some rattlesnake species engage in cooperative hunting by sharing a hunting ground and using scent trails to locate prey more efficiently.
Rattlesnakes can control the amount of venom they inject. In defensive situations, they might deliver a "dry bite" to conserve venom.
As ectotherms, rattlesnakes depend on external heat sources. Their activity and hunting behaviors shift with seasonal temperature changes.
The heat-sensing pits also assist in navigation, allowing rattlesnakes to detect temperature differences and avoid predators or locate basking spots.
Rattlesnakes have a diverse diet including small mammals, birds, and insects. Their food choices adapt to their habitat and available prey.