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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Animals: Massasauga

Massasauga
(Sistrurus catenatus)

The Massasauga is from the order Squamata. Species from this order are amphisbaenians, lizards or snakes. There are over 6,000 living species belonging to the squamata order - it is the largest order of all reptiles.

The Massasauga was first reported by Rafinesque, 1818. It is a scaled reptile, and it sheds its skin.

In general, species from the squamata order are incredibly diverse. Small lizards from 1.2 cm long, to snakes reaching 10 metres in length!.

The Massasauga is found in (but not necessarily limited to) Canada. It is both a carnivore and an omnivore.

In general, species from the squamata order are spread throughout the world. They do not inhabit antarctica, and there are some few remote islands where this order has not inhabited. The Massasauga is just one member of over 6000 from this order.

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