The most widespread rattlesnake in the American Southwest, responsible for a large share of snakebites across the desert states.
Description
A heavy-bodied rattlesnake usually 1 to 1.5 m long, with a tan or grey background and bold dark brown diamond markings outlined in cream and black down the back. The tail bears equal-width black and white rings just in front of the rattle, and the head bears a stripe behind each eye.
Behavior
The western diamondback is bold and quick to coil and rattle a clear warning. It hunts mostly at dusk and dawn in spring and autumn, retreating to burrows in summer heat and winter cold. Its venom is hemotoxic and bites cause significant tissue damage and bleeding, requiring antivenom.
Range
Distributed widely across the southwestern United States from California to Arkansas and south into central Mexico. It is the most frequently encountered and clinically important rattlesnake of the region.
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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake starts with W and ends with E. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
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