Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Viperidae, Subfamily: Crotalinae, Genus: Crotalus, Species: Crotalus atrox
Venomous Status
Venomous (Solenoglyphous fangs)
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous; responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the second-greatest number in the United States.
Geographic Range
Southwestern United States (Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, southern California, southern Nevada) and northern to central Mexico.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, faces threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and 'rattlesnake roundups' in certain regions.
Physical Description
Heavy-bodied with keeled scales. Gray-brown base color with distinct light-bordered, diamond-shaped dorsal blotches. Tail features 'raccoon-like' black and white bands before the rattle.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length is 120-150 cm (4-5 ft), with rare specimens exceeding 210 cm (7 ft). This specimen appears to be a large sub-adult or adult.
Habitat
Highly adaptable; found in deserts, grasslands, pine-oak forests, coastal barrier islands, and rocky canyons. Ranges from sea level to approximately 2,400 meters elevation.
Behavior & Temperament
Highly defensive when cornered; typically coils and rattles loudly to warn intruders. Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal during hot summer months.
Diet & Feeding
Generalist carnivore feeding on small mammals (rabbits, gophers, mice), birds, and lizards. An ambush predator that uses heat-sensing pits to locate prey.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Typical litter size ranges from 4 to 25 neonates. Breeding occurs in spring after emerging from brumation.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Complex cocktail including hemotoxins, cytotoxins, and myotoxins causing tissue destruction and coagulopathy.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) which has different tail banding ratios, and the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) which has chevron patterns rather than diamonds.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); however, faces threats from habitat loss, road mortality, and 'rattlesnake roundups' in certain regions.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the American Southwest; often featured in Native American art and folklore. Plays a vital ecological role in controlling rodent populations.
Notable Features
Features sophisticated loreal pits (heat-sensing organs) and a keratinous rattle used as an acoustic aposematic warning device.