This book is the monograph of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake by D. Bruce Means. Its publication is a culmination of over 40 years of long-term, in-depth study of the world's largest rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus. In the preface Means writes, "The limited biological knowledge available for this species is all the more amazing when one considers the economic impact of Crotalus adamanteus. Because of its large size and highly toxic venom, it is arguably the most dangerous venomous snake in the United States and Canada, accounting for more human mortality than any other species (Klauber 1972; Parrish 1980). Its ecological importance may be even more significant, however. The eastern diamondback is a major predator of the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), a significant crop pest that is probably the most abundant rodent in the southeastern United States (Lowery 1974). Moreover, the eastern diamondback, which weighs up to about thirteen pounds (5.9 kilograms), is the largest cold-blooded terrestrial vertebrate living in the temperate zones of the earth (Means 1985)."

This book examines the deadly Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. It provides an analysis of the snake's characteristics, behavioral patterns, and venom toxicity in relation to humans and animals.

No venomous snake in North America is larger than the diamondback rattlesnake. The eastern diamondback species can stretch out to a sizable length of 8 feet! Young readers will get wrapped up in discovering the ostentatious ways diamondbacks behave in the face of predators and prey.

Introduces young readers to the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, and behavior of Diamondback rattlers with facts and colorful photos.

Its fangs are sharp and its venom is deadly. It has a tail that rattles to warn other animals to stay away. It’s a diamondback rattlesnake, and it can grow to be a whopping 8 feet long and weigh up to 10 pounds. Readers will enter the world of this fascinating predator. Beautiful photographs and fun facts explain how diamondbacks live, hunt, and grow to be one of the biggest snakes in the United States.

Hissssss! Watch out for that snake! This book takes adventurous readers on a quest into the world of the diamondback rattlesnake. Students will discover a slithery way of life as they learn about the diamondback's impressive size, fearsome fangs, and special senses such as its eyes that never stop staring. Full-color photos give kids an opportunity to identify these poisonous reptiles by their beautiful scale colors and patterns. Readers will also observe how tail-rattling diamondbacks use their natural camouflage to disappear from sight! A range map supplements chapter information about the surprising places these pit vipers live. Bolded glossary terms, phonetic spellings, and an index compliment the chapter text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.