Reproduction in the Mojave Rattlesnake, Crotalus Scutulatus (Serpentes: Viperidae)‪.‬

Abstract. -- Reproductive tissue was examined from 145 museum specimens of Crotalus scutulatus from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. Males follow a seasonal testicular cycle with sperm produced June-September; regressed testes were present March-May and October. Recrudescence occurred March-July. Timing of this cycle is similar to that of several other North American rattlesnakes. Sperm was present in the vasa deferentia March-October suggesting C. scutulatus has potential for breeding throughout this period. Females appear to have a biennial reproductive cycle with yolk deposition completed over two activity seasons. Mean litter size for 35 C. scutulatus was 8.2 [+ or -] 2.36 SD, range 5-13 young. Yearly percentages of gravid females appear to be related to food abundance. **********