Sidewinder

The sidewinder is a small, highly specialized rattlesnake adapted to life in the hottest, sandiest deserts of the American Southwest. It is best known for its distinctive sidewinding locomotion, a looping, lateral movement that reduces the amount of body in contact with superheated sand at any one time.

Distinctive supraocular 'horns' above each eye, thought to help shield the eyes from blowing sand or reduce visibility to prey, give it an unmistakable profile among rattlesnakes.

• Small, pale tan, cream, or gray body matching desert sand, with faint darker blotches
• Distinctive raised, horn-like scales above each eye
• Rattle present at the tail tip, though small compared to other rattlesnakes
• Vertical pupils and a triangular head typical of pit vipers
• Leaves a distinctive J-shaped track pattern in sand from its sidewinding movement

Restricted to sandy desert habitats, dunes, and desert washes across the southwestern United States, including the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, and into adjacent parts of northern Mexico.

Strictly nocturnal, especially during hot months, often burying itself partially in sand during the day. Uses sidewinding locomotion to move efficiently and minimize heat exposure on hot sand. Feeds on small lizards and rodents. Live-bearing, producing small litters.