# Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (*Crotalus adamanteus*)

> The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is North America's largest rattlesnake, inhabiting pine flatwoods and coastal islands from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana. Adults may approach 1.8 m and 5 kg, ambush rabbits and rodents, and are listed Least Concern — yet many US states report long-term declines from habitat loss and persecution.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Coastal plains of the southeastern United States from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/eastern-diamondback/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Viperidae
- **Genus:** Crotalus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Crotalus adamanteus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal islands |
| Lifespan | Around 20 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 5 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Largest US rattlesnake

Heavy-bodied with dark diamonds outlined in cream or yellow and a loud rattle. Heat-sensing pits guide strikes toward warm prey. Large fangs deliver substantial venom yields.

## Rabbits and rodents from ambush

Diet centres on cottontails, cotton rats, and other mammals, plus occasional birds. Sit-and-wait tactics beside mammal runways are typical. Across its range it is tied to pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal islands, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Southeast coastal plain

Pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal islands of the southeastern United States from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana — longleaf pine ecosystems are classic habitat.

## Declining despite LC label

Still categorised Least Concern globally, but habitat conversion, road mortality, and intentional killing have thinned populations; some states grant protection.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big do eastern diamondbacks get?

Large adults commonly 1.2–1.8 m; exceptional individuals exceed that, making them the heaviest rattlesnakes.

### Is an eastern diamondback bite fatal?

Potentially serious without treatment; modern antivenom and hospital care greatly reduce mortality.

### Do diamondbacks always rattle before striking?

Often, but not always — never rely on a warning.

### What do eastern diamondbacks eat?

Mainly rabbits and rodents ambushed along trails.

### Where do eastern diamondbacks live?

Southeastern US coastal plains from North Carolina to eastern Louisiana.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/eastern-diamondback/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.