Rhea Newfield: The American Snakemaster

01 - The Search for the Arizona Bushmaster part 1 -

March 4 2010, Rhea Newfield (20), a herpetolohist from Tucson, Arizona. She's currently exploring the Catalina State Park for her expedition to find and document the new species of snake, one particular new species that she was hoping to find, the Arizona Bushmaster (Lachesis arizonensis), a new species of bushmaster which is a close relative of the South American Bushmaster (Lachesis muta), she will be joined by another fellow snake herper named PAtricia Coolidge (22), who was her colleague from Tucson, Arizona.

The hike through the rugged terrain of the Catalina State Park was challenging, with its rocky and arid environment. Nevertheless, Rhea Newfield and Patricia Coolidge are both thrilled to be on this expedition

"I can't believe we are actually out here doing this," Patricia remarks as they trek through the park. "I've been waiting for this opportunity for years."

"I know. It's crazy," Rhea agrees, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "But I have a good feeling about this. I think we're going to find something new today."

Then, they spotted the new species of rattlesnake called the Arizona Black-headed Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus arizonensis), an 8 foot 2 inches long snake, crawling out of the thick bush.

"Whoa, look at that!" Rhea exclaims, pointing at the snake. "I think that's the new species of rattlesnake we've been looking for."

Patricia nods in agreement, taking out her camera to capture the sighting. "It's a beauty. Look at those distinctive black markings on its head."

"We still got long way to go before we find the elusive deadly Arizona Bushmaster. This large rattlesnake will be our first snake of the day." Rhea said.

You're right," Patricia replies. "We still have a lot of ground to cover before we find the Arizona Bushmaster. But it's always exciting to see a new species, no matter what it is."

"Plus, it's not every day you get to see a snake of this size." Rhea adds, appreciating the massive size of the rattlesnake.

"This is a chestnut brown colored snake with black colored head and tan colored diamond patterns all the way down to its black-and-yellow coon-tail.  This is a difference between this new species and the well-known Western Diamondback (Crotalus atrox)." Patricia said.

"I agree. It has 24 dorsal scales, 191 ventral scales and 74 subcaudal scales." Rhea said. "I'm certain this is a full grown adult female."

"This snake is absolutely incredible!" Patricia says, her eyes glued to the snake's unique coloring. "The black head and those tan diamond patterns are so different from the Western Diamondback."

Rhea nods in agreement. "Yes, and those scale counts you mentioned just confirm that this is an adult female. She's probably been thriving in this harsh environment for many years."

"This new species has a wide distribution ranges, it is common in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. It primarily prefers mountains, valleys, deserts, rocky outcropppings, foothills, ravine and riparian habitat. It is a nocturnal terresstrial species, feeding on rodents, lizards and amphibians." Patricia said.

"Yes, that's a whole widely distributed species, and the venom is both neurotoxic, cardiotoxic and hemotoxic, which make itself as highly venomous." Rhea said.

"This new species has really adapted well to its surroundings. Its wide distribution range is impressive, covering multiple states across the Southwest." Patricia remarks.

"And the fact that it's nocturnal and hunts rodents, lizards, and amphibians just shows how resourceful it is in this environment." Rhea adds. "Not to mention, its venom is a deadly combination of neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, and hemo toxic. We should definitely keep our distance."