Tiger Rattlesnake

(Crotalus tigris)

Color Photograph: Courtesy of "Nick-C"

Color Photograph: © Corel Corp.

Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris)

Identification: Snake 18 to 36 inches in length. Body color gray, pink-gray, to lavender and with diffuse bands of dirty brown-black with diffuse borders. Tail rings present, but indistinct because the light rings and not much ligher than the dark rings. Head without light bands. Scales keeled.

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map below left): The distribution of the Tiger Rattlesnake is confined to south and central Arizona, extending southward into the Mexican state of Sonora.

Habitat: The Tiger Snake is found most rocky foothils and canyons in arid environments, typically with mesquite, creosote, paloverde, and saguaro.

Food: Small mammals.

Behavior: This species is active both during the day and at night. Most commonly seen after it rains.

Reproduction:  The reproductive biology of this species is poorly known.

Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris)

Similar Species:

The muddy, diffuse dark bands and the pink to lavender tinge of the body readily identify this species.

Similar Species

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