Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Responsible for more bites in the US than any other rattlesnake.

GenusCrotalus

RegionNorth AmericaSouthwestern United States, Mexico

Photo: Clinton & Charles Robertson from RAF Lakenheath, UK & San Marcos, TX, USA & UK · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY 2.0

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Photo: Clinton & Charles Robertson from RAF Lakenheath, UK & San Marcos, TX, USA & UK · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY 2.0

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 50 + 0.45 × 6958.6

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (1.01)59.1

× Delivery (1.00)59.1

× Encounter (0.96)56.8

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score57

Venom Profile

Type

HemotoxicTargets blood and circulatory system; disrupts clotting and can cause bleeding disorders.,CytotoxicDestroys cells and damages tissue; can cause permanent tissue damage and disfigurement.

Venom Yield

High

Venom Speed

Quick

Delivery Method

Hinged front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

6.600mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

250mg dry

Clinical Severity

Fatality (Untreated)

10-20%

WHO Importance

Cat. 1

Local Effects

Pain at bite site, Swelling, Tissue damage

Blood

Internal bleeding, Coagulopathy, Circulatory shock

Causes of Death

Massive internal bleeding, Circulatory shock