Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Crotalus pyrrhus

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Although often smaller, this variable rattlesnake may occasionally exceed 4’ by a few inches. Both the dorsal color and the dark bands and spots are profusely speckled. Overall color usually blends very well with the chosen habitat and may be a sand-tan, pink, blue-gray, white, or orangish. Tail strongly (but not profusely) banded. Scales keeled. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles similar to adults. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye

 

Unique Features:

The strongly banded tail as well as the overall dorsal and lateral speckling should identify this snake.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Rock piles, rock slides, rocky canyons, rock desert are the preferred habitat of this species. Preys on rodents and ground nesting birds as well as lizards

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA, NV, UT