Mojave Rattlesnake

The Mojave rattlesnake, sometimes called the 'Mojave green' for its subtle greenish hue in some populations, is notable within its genus for possessing a venom type in many populations that includes potent neurotoxic components in addition to typical tissue-damaging effects. This distinguishes its venom profile from most other North American rattlesnakes.

It closely resembles the more common western diamondback rattlesnake and requires careful examination of tail banding and facial markings to reliably distinguish the two species.

• Base color ranging from olive-green to yellowish-brown or gray, often with a subtle greenish cast
• Dark diamond-shaped blotches along the back, similar to but often more widely spaced than the diamondback rattlesnake
• Tail bands are typically narrower black bands relative to wider white/gray bands, differing from the diamondback's more even banding
• Prominent segmented rattle and heat-sensing facial pits
• Distinguished from the western diamondback by tail banding ratio and often clearer facial stripe pattern

Found in arid desert scrub, grasslands, and semi-desert habitats across the southwestern United States, particularly the Mojave and Sonoran Desert regions, extending south into central Mexico.

Primarily nocturnal in hot weather, more diurnal in cooler seasons. An ambush predator feeding on rodents, lizards, and birds. Live-bearing, with females producing moderate-sized litters.