How to Identify the Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Identification Guide)
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is identified by its small size, pale washed-out yellowish or tan coloring with faded blotches, found in the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau.
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Key identifying features
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor, also classified as Crotalus concolor) is a small rattlesnake subspecies characterized by its pale, washed-out yellowish-tan to cream coloration and reduced body size compared to related western rattlesnakes. Its faded, low-contrast pattern and diminutive proportions are the primary identifying traits.
Coloration & pattern
The ground color is typically pale yellow, cream, tan, or light gray, matching the sandstone canyon country it inhabits. A series of faint, muted brownish or grayish blotches runs along the back, often with much lower contrast than in other western rattlesnake subspecies, giving the overall body a washed-out or bleached appearance. Some individuals show barely visible patterning, especially in strong sunlight.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is broad and triangular, typical of pit vipers, with vertical pupils and heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril. Head coloration usually matches the pale body tone, with little contrasting striping. Scales are keeled.
Size & body shape
As its common name suggests, this is one of the smallest rattlesnake subspecies, with adults typically reaching only 15 to 26 inches, rarely approaching 30 inches. The body is slender for a rattlesnake, and the tail bears a small rattle proportionate to its reduced size.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is found in the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including parts of western Colorado, eastern Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and small portions of adjacent states. It favors sandstone canyons, desert scrub, and rocky outcrops, often near rivers such as the Green and Colorado, where its pale coloring blends with the surrounding sandstone.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
The Great Basin Rattlesnake, found in adjacent range, is generally larger and shows somewhat more defined blotching. The Prairie Rattlesnake, which can overlap in parts of the eastern portion of this subspecies' range, is considerably larger with more strongly contrasted brown blotches. The unusually small adult size combined with pale, low-contrast coloration is the clearest identification combination for the Midget Faded Rattlesnake within the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called the Midget Faded Rattlesnake?
It is named for its small adult size and pale, washed-out coloration with low-contrast blotches.
How large does the Midget Faded Rattlesnake get?
It is one of the smallest rattlesnake subspecies, with adults typically reaching only 15 to 26 inches.
Where is the Midget Faded Rattlesnake found?
It occurs in the canyon country of the Colorado Plateau, including western Colorado, eastern Utah, and southwestern Wyoming.
How does the Midget Faded Rattlesnake differ from the Prairie Rattlesnake?
The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is notably smaller with paler, lower-contrast blotching, while the Prairie Rattlesnake is larger with more strongly defined brown blotches.
What habitat does the Midget Faded Rattlesnake prefer?
It favors sandstone canyons, desert scrub, and rocky outcrops, often near rivers on the Colorado Plateau.