Definition of massasauga in English:
massasauga
noun ˌmasəˈsɔːɡəˌmasəˈsôɡə
A small North American rattlesnake of variable colour which favours damp habitats.
Sistrurus catenatus, family Viperidae
Example sentencesExamples
- They may be preyed upon by larger animals, such as large owls, coyotes, or large snakes, such as eastern massasauga rattlesnakes.
- The massasauga can be characterized as a shy, sluggish snake.
- Even though you may have never seen the eastern massasauga, if it were called "swamp rattler" you would get a very vivid picture of this animal.
- Behind glass, loll the snakes: timber rattlers, pygmy rattlers, desert massasauga rattlers, and most of the other 32 rattlesnake species known to inhabit the United States.
- Some wildlife enthusiasts are worried about the possible disappearance of the massasauga, the only poisonous snake in the state.
Origin
Mid 19th century: formed irregularly from Mississauga.