[Animals] The story of the rattlesnake, the iconic reptile that inspired Mesoamerican deities

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Since pre-Hispanic times, the rattlesnake has represented the duality between death and life. Here we explain it to you
Several pre-Hispanic peoples, including the Mixtecs, Nahuas and Huicholes, saw a dual being in the snake, since it was a confrontation with death and, therefore, a reminder of life, as explained by the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP). The case of the rattlesnake is reflected in Coatlicue, the Mexica goddess, mother of all other deities and figure of fertility, who wears a skirt made of these revered reptiles.

In the history of Mexico, the role of the rattlesnake transcended to the shield that bears the flag of the North American country. In turn, this responds to the founding myth of the capital of the Mexica empire, which tells how Huitzilopochtli, god of war, let his people know that the right place to build the city would be marked by an eagle devouring a snake.

Rattlesnake: life and death
To speak of the rattlesnake is to refer to the entire genus Crotalus. This group, which according to Britannica is made up of 33 species, is characterized by having a segmented rattle at the tip of the tail, capable of producing a buzzing sound when vibrated.

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The Naturalista database notes that this genus is considered the most poisonous in North America. Some species of the rattlesnake can reach 2.5 meters in length and 4 kilos in weight. The spots of these animals form different figures, which are presented on a gray or brown background, although there are also other varieties of colors.

Naturalista adds that the rattle of this snake is formed by horny cases at the end of the tail. The sound of said part is produced due to the keratin segments colliding with each other when they are vibrated. This is a defense system against predators, which are warned to stay away.

Po[CENSORED]r belief has held the idea that the number of segments in the rattle is equal to the years of the snake. The reality is another. Such divisions correspond to the times when the reptile has shed its skin, which, depending on the species, can live for more than 20 years.

throughout America
From southern Canada to central Argentina, specimens of the rattlesnake can be found. However, these animals are more abundant in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. That said, the main habitats of snakes in this genus are arid ecosystems, but they can also survive in swamps, grasslands, and forests.

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Contrary to po[CENSORED]r belief, the rattlesnake is not aggressive in nature, in fact, it is shy. Of course, if disturbed, it can attack. The bite is known for the intense pain it generates. The poison, for its part, has reduced its lethality thanks to the various treatments that have been developed to combat it.

These animals are ovoviviparous, since the eggs are carried inside the mother. Britannica says that the average number of young is 4 to 10. Right from birth, these reptiles have fangs and poisonous glands. From the second change of skin, when it has three segments in the rattle, the snake can produce its characteristic sound.

The rattlesnake feeds on other reptiles, including lizards. Their diet is also based on mammals and insects. It can control the amount of poison it injects into its prey, depending on its size. On the other hand, their main predators are birds of prey.

https://www.ngenespanol.com/animales/serpiente-de-cascabel-el-iconico-reptil-venerado-en-mesoamerica/