Mojave Rattlesnake

Photo Credit: Bryan Hughes

Mojave Rattlesnake- Crotalus scutulatus

The Mojave Rattlesnake has a light green or pale brown body with diamond-shaped dorsal blotches and a light-colored belly. It resembles a Western Diamondback but can be distinguished by its narrow white tail bands that are equal to or wider than the black bands near the rattle as well as a cleaner more orderly pattern.

Although not often found in our immediate area, Mojave Rattlesnakes are native to southern deserts of Arizona, California, Nevada, parts of New Mexico and west Texas. They favor arid, open areas with sparse vegetation. Notoriously known for their potent neurotoxic venom, Mojaves are often misrepresented as aggressive, but they generally behave like most rattlesnakes: defensive, not confrontational, and willing to rattle and retreat.