Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

A large (4 ½-6’), heavy bodied, often irascible, rattlesnake with a typical, but dusty appearing, diamond pattern along its back. Normally gray (occasionally reddish) in color but aberrancies of both albinism and melanism are documented. Tail usually prominently ringed with black on white. Two light facial stripes,1 anterior to and the other posterior to the eye, end at the jawline. This snake is inclined to stand its ground, often rattling loudly and assuming a striking coil while the perceived threat is still some distance away. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Scales keeled. Preys on small rodents, ground nesting birds, and lizards. Ovoviviparous

 

Unique Features:

Rattle, black and white ringed tail, and diamond pattern are usually definitive.

 

Habitat and Diet:

A ubiquitous snake, this rattler may be encountered on open prairie, desert, ranchland, rocky areas, mountainsides. Primarily feeds on mammals and birds; neonate rattlesnakes eat lizards and small mammals.

 

Geographic Range:

AR, TX, AZ, CA, KS, NV, NM, OK