The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is rare in Arkansas but is part of what larger family of venomous snakes?

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake belongs to the family Crotalidae, which is commonly known as the pit viper family. This family includes various species of venomous snakes that are characterized by their distinctive heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils, which help them detect warm-blooded prey. Crotalidae encompasses several well-known snakes, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads, which are adapted to various habitats and climates.

Selecting Crotalidae as the correct answer highlights the significance of recognizing the taxonomic classification of snakes, particularly those that pose a danger due to their venom. Understanding the family structure is essential in fields like herpetology and wildlife conservation, as it plays a key role in the identification and study of species.

The other families listed, such as Elapidae (which includes cobras and kraits), Viperidae (which includes true vipers), and Bothrops (a genus within the Crotalidae family that consists of pit vipers), do not correctly identify the broader family to which the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake belongs, further underscoring the importance of taxonomic accuracy.