Panamint Rattlesnake
Crotalus stephensi
A rocky-mountain rattlesnake of the Mojave Desert's isolated ranges, often confused with the speckled rattlesnake.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Mojave Desert mountain ranges of eastern California and Nevada
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Panamint Rattlesnake inhabits isolated desert mountain ranges of the Mojave region, including the Panamint Range near Death Valley. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of the speckled rattlesnake but is now recognized as a distinct species.
It is well adapted to rocky, arid terrain, using crevices and boulder piles for shelter from extreme desert temperatures.
How to identify it
- Base color varies from cream, tan, gray, to pinkish depending on local rock color
- Speckled or granular scale pattern giving a stippled appearance
- Dorsal blotches often faint and blending with background
- Triangular head with elliptical pupils and heat-sensing pits
- Segmented rattle
- Similar to the speckled rattlesnake but distinguished by range and subtle scale differences
Habitat & range
Found in rocky desert mountain ranges, canyons, and boulder-strewn slopes of the Mojave Desert, including areas near Death Valley. Occurs from low desert elevations up into pinyon-juniper zones on isolated peaks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular during hot months, becoming more diurnal in cooler weather. Feeds on small rodents, birds, and lizards. Reproduces via live birth in late summer. Relies on rock crevices for thermoregulation and shelter from predators.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panamint Rattlesnake the same as the speckled rattlesnake?
It was once considered a subspecies of the speckled rattlesnake but is now classified as its own species, Crotalus stephensi.
Where does it live?
In isolated rocky mountain ranges of the Mojave Desert, including areas near Death Valley in California and Nevada.
What is its coloration like?
Its coloration varies to match the local rock, often cream, tan, or pinkish with a stippled, speckled appearance.
Is it active during the day?
It is mostly nocturnal in summer heat but may be active during the day in cooler seasons.
Panamint Rattlesnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Panamint Rattlesnake.
