Biología reproductiva de la cascabel centroamericana Crotalus durissus durissus (Serpentes: Viperidae)en Costa Rica / Reproductive biology of the Central American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus durissus (Serpentes: Viperidae) in Costa Rica

ABSTRACT

In Costa Rica, rattlesnakes mate during the early dry season (December and January) and births occur in the early rainy season (May-July). Gestation is therefore about 6 months. The mean number of offspring is 22.9 and is significantly correlated with the size of the female.Newborn rattlesnakes are 27.5-43.0 cm in length and weight 11.4-46.3 g. They are relatively docile. Adult males are longer and heavierthan females. Females seem to have their first litter when their size exceeds 120 cm.