Nearctica - Natural History - Snakes of North America - Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

Crotalus viridis

The Western Rattlesnake does not occur in southwestern California, southern Nevada, and western Arizona regions inhabited by the Mojave Rattlesnake. The two species do co-occur in western Texas. The tail banding of the "Prairie Rattlesnake" race of the Western Rattlesnake is far less contrasting than that of the Mojave Rattlesnake. The Western Rattlesnake has 3 or more intranasal scales touching the rostral scale and the scales touching the supraoculars are small, not enlarged.

Crotalus atrox

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake has diamond-shaped markings, but the markings are not as well defined as those of the Mojave Rattlesnake and not clearly defined by light, outer borders. The black and white bands of the tail of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake are of approximately equal width, but the black bands of the Mojave Rattlesnake are conspicuously narrower than the white bands.

Crotalus mitchelli

The Speckled Rattlesnake has obscure markings and a distinctive rough, granular appearance.

Crotalus ruber

The Red Diamond Rattlesnake almost always has a distinct reddish coloration without the green found in the Mojave Rattlesnake.

Identification: Snake 24 to 50 inches in length. Back with a series of brown diamonds, rectangles, or ovals uniformly edged with light yellow or white scales. Overall color variable, usually some shade of green. Tail with black and white bands, but black bands much narrower than white ones. A light stripe extends from the back margin of the eye to the back of the mouth. Large scales found on the snout and, in particular, only 2 large scales between the supraocular scales. Only 2 intranasal scales touch the rostral scale. Scales keeled.

Geographical Variation: A single race is found in the United States. Further described subspecies are found in Mexico.

Range (see map below left): The Mojave Rattlesnake is found in the Mojave Desert of southwestern California and southern Nevada southward through western Arizona, the extreme south of New Mexico, and the Big Bend region of Texas. The species also has a extensive distribution in Mexico.

Habitat: This species is usually found in upland and montane desert. However it is found in a variety of habitats including desert, grasslands, juniper woodlands, and brushy areas, but appears to favor scrubby desert.

Behavior: The Mojave Rattlesnake is a very aggressive animal with extremely poisonous venom and should be avoided whenever possible. It is nocturnal or crepuscular.

Reproduction: This species bear live young, females producing 2 to 11 young during July and August.