Color Photographs: Jeff Servoss, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei)

Identification: Snake 12 to 26 inches in length. A relatively small, brown to gray-brown species. Pairs of dark brown to black blotches running down the dorsal side of the body. Tail without black and white bands, but commonly with dark brown bands. Head with a brown stripe through the eye. Scales keeled.

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map below left): The range of this species in the United States is limited to southeastern Arizona. It is also found in northern Mexico.

Habitat: The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is found in montane pine-oak woodland or coniferous forest.

Food: Small rodents and lizards.

Behavior: This species is one of the least aggressive species of the genus Crotalus. It is difficult to spot because of its excellent protective coloration, but can sometimes be found sunning itself on rocky ledges in the morning. The species is diurnal. The rattle is weak and is evocative of a katydid call.

Reproduction:  The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake, like other rattlesnakes bears it young live. Three to eight young are born by the female in July and August.

Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei)

The brown coloration of the Twin-spotted Rattlesnake with the dark pairs of blotches running along the dorsal side of the body is distinctive.

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