Topic summary
Crotalus
Crotalus is a genus of pit vipers, commonly known as rattlesnakes or rattlers, in the familyViperidae. The genus is found only in the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina. The generic name Crotalus is derived from the Greek word krótalοn, which means "rattle" or "castanet", and refers to the rattle on the end of the tail, which makes this group (generaCrotalus and Sistrurus) so distinctive. As of July 2023, 44 to 53 species are recognized as valid.