Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) (origin: The south-western USA, Mexico – uplands and rock). Adult size around 90–125 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Black-tailed rattlesnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 160×65×95 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes).
Black-tailed rattlesnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Black-tailed rattlesnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Black-tailed rattlesnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Black-tailed rattlesnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–38 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 160×65×95 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)
- Substrate
- Rock and loam with crevices and climbing blocks
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice and rats
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 90–125 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, Mexico – uplands and rock
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A rock dweller that climbs more than other rattlesnakes. Considered comparatively calm, and it warns at length.
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Related species
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) – Expert
- Ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) – Expert
- Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) – Expert
- Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) – Expert
- Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) – Expert
- Neotropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) – Expert
- Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) – Expert
- Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 160×65×95 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)), substrate (Rock and loam with crevices and climbing blocks), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_molossus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Crotalus&species=molossus, en.wikipedia „Black-tailed rattlesnake“ (Frühjahr/Herbst tagaktiv, Sommer nachtaktiv); Animal Diversity Web Crotalus molossus; Tucson Herpetological Society (Sommer meist 16–22 Uhr, sonst oft mittags)
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).