Mojave Desert Sidewinder

Crotalus cerastes cerastes

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Of the 3 subspecies, 2 are found in California and all are in Arizona. The three subspecies are difficult to differentiate, positive identification often relying on locale and the color of the first segment—the base, not the tip-- of the rattle. This rattler is adult at between 2 and 2 ½ feet in length. Besides the sidewinding they are best known for the supraocular “horns.” Body color blends well with the sandy habitat it chooses. Sidewinders prefer loose sand in which they shuffle their body back and forth and sink downward from sight, usually with only the head still showing. The keeled scales assist in this movement. Rodent burrows may be utilized. Neonates utilize caudal luring, a spasmodic twitching of the tailtip to draw hungry lizards within striking distance. Adults also eat small rodents. In this subspecies the basal segment of the rattle is brown. There are 21 scale rows at midbody. Use range to assist in identification. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Ovoviviparous

 

Unique Features:

Because of the raised supraocular scales (the horns, if you will) these are easy to identify as a “horned rattlesnake,” a sidewinder, but it is harder to determine a subspecies. Basal segment of the rattle is brown. Sidewinders are not particularly defensive but they can change the direction of travel quickly. Use care. Use range maps

 

Habitat and Diet:

Open sandy desert, with or without sparse vegetation. They often enter the burrows of kangaroo rats. Neonates utilize caudal luring, a spasmodic twitching of the tailtip to draw hungry lizards within striking distance. Adults also eat small rodents

 

Geographic Range:

CA, NV