Health Library

Venomous snakes - series

Rattlesnake

This is a rattlesnake.

Defining features

The top row displays the defining features of a rattlesnake. From left to right, a rattle on the tail, a triangular head, and hinged fangs.

Underbelly

One way to determine if a snake is venomous is to look at its underbelly. If there is a single row of scales leading to the anal plate, the snake is venomous.

Review Date: 11/2/2023  

Reviewed By: Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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