Banded Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus klauberi

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

One of the smaller rattlesnakes (18-24”), this westerly subspecies of rock rattler has a very limited range in extreme southeastern AZ. This is a greenish, greenish-gray, gray, or bluish-gray snake that has well defined dark crossbands that are wide dorsally and narrow laterally. Some of the bands may be separated on one or both sides from the lateral portion. Belly grayish. This subspecies lacks facial banding. Ovoviviparous. Neonates have yellow tailtips. The yellow fades with growth and age. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Scales keeled. Preys on small rodents, amphibians, and lizards. Ovoviviparous

 

Unique Features:

Small size, greenish color, and lack of banding on the face will identify this snake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

This rattlesnake is most often encountered in mountain canyons, arroyos, or rocky roadcuts but occasionally may wander across roads after dark. Preys on small rodents, amphibians, and lizards. Ovoviviparous

 

Geographic Range:

TX, NM