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Poisonous snakes - series

Rattlesnake:

This is a rattlesnake.


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.


Defining features


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.


Underbelly



Review Date: 2/27/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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