RED DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE

Scientific name: Crotalus exsul

Size

The average size of a mature Red Diamond Rattlesnake is 2.5 - 3.5 feet in length, with some getting as large as 5 feet.

Description

The Red Diamond Rattlesnake is a heavy, thick-bodied snake. The body of the snake is reddish or reddish tan. Diamond-shaped blotches outlined in a cream color form a pattern along the snake's back. The diamond pattern often fades near the tail and turns into a banding pattern of broad black and white rings at the tail. The end of the tail has a rattle on it.

There is a cheek-stripe on both sides of the head that starts at the eye and runs diagonally down and backwards to the jaw. This stripe is outlined on both sides by cream-colored edges.

The Red Diamond 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 Red Diamond Rattlesnake has a large, triangular head that is wider than the neck when viewed from above.

Distribution

In the United States, the Red Diamond Rattlesnake is found only in California.
Map of US states the Red Diamond 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.

Red Diamond Rattlesnake
Photo used by permission:
© 1996 William Flaxington

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

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy

Change your Cookies Preferences