Mojave
Rattlesnake
Crotalus scutulatus
Body length: 24 - 51"
Diet: Rodents
Mojave rattlesnakes generally (but not always) have a greenish cast. They can
be confused with western diamondbacks, which
also have black and white tail-bands. The Mojave's black bands are slightly more
narrow than the white; the opposite is true for diamondbacks. In the Mojave, the
white bands are grayer. A definite way to distinguish the two is to count the
scales between the eyes (two large scales in the Mojave; many small ones in the
diamondback), but we do not recommend this method on live snakes! Mojaves are
also confused with blacktail rattlesnakes, which
are sometimes mistakenly called "Mojave greens".
Mojaves are among the most excitable and dangerous of all rattlesnakes. Their
venom is up to 20 times more lethal than diamondbacks and in most populations
contains a powerful neurotoxic component that can lead to respiratory difficulties.
Although the Monument is within its range, this species
has not yet been confirmed here. Generally, Mojaves prefer flat desert areas without
rocks.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005