BANDED ROCK RATTLESNAKE

Scientific name: Crotalus lepidus klauberi

Size

The average size of a mature Banded Rock Rattlesnake is 1.5 - 2 feet, with some getting as large as 2.5 feet.

Description

The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a slender snake. The body color of the snake varies greatly based on the rock and mold colors that are common in the areas it is found. The body may be greenish, brown, grey, pink/lavendar, or blue-grey. There are widely spaced dark crossbands. These bands usually have serrated, saw-like edges. There are often small spots between the crossbands. On some, the spotting is very heavy and gives the snake a speckled appearance in addition to the banding.

The Banded Rock Rattlesnake has elliptical pupils that look like cat's eyes and like all pit vipers, has a heat-sensing pit between the nostril and eye on each side of its head. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake has a relatively small triangular head that is only slightly wider than the neck when viewed from above. The end of the tail has a rattle on it.

Distribution

In the United States, the Banded Rock Rattlesnake is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Map of US states the Banded Rock Rattlesnake is found in.
Map does not show area of true distribution, only the states in which there is a population.
Actual distribution in any highlighted state may be limited.

Banded Rock Rattlesnake
Photo used by permission:
© 1995 Glenn McCrea

For more information on venomous snakes, please see the Venomous Links page.

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