Blue rattlesnake, Eastern rock rattlesnake, Green rattlesnake, Little green rattlesnake, Pink rattlesnake, Texas rock rattlesnake, White rattlesnake
The Rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northern central Mexico. Pit vipers have a pair of extremely sensitive infrared-detecting organs, which in effect give the snakes a sixth sense to help them find and perhaps even judge the size of the small, warm-blooded prey on which they feed.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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OvoviviparousOvoviviparity, ovovivipary, ovivipary, or aplacental viviparity is a term used as a "bridging" form of reproduction between egg-laying oviparous an...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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VenomousVenom is a type of poison, especially one secreted by an animal. It is delivered in a bite, sting, or similar action. Venom has evolved in terrestr...
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Rock rattlesnake has a large, rounded head, and fairly heavy body for its size, with eyes with vertical pupils. Like other rattlesnakes, its tail has a rattle, which is composed of keratin. Each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. However, the rattle is fragile and may break off, and the frequency of shedding can vary. The color pattern varies greatly but generally reflects the color of the rock in the snake's natural environment. Snakes found near areas of predominantly limestone tend to be a light grey in color, with darker grey banding. Snakes found at higher altitudes have darker colors. Specimens of the Mottled rock rattlesnake (C. l. lepidus) from the Davis Mountains region often exhibit a more pink coloration, with dark-grey speckling rather than distinct banding. The Banded rock rattlesnake (C. l. klauberi) gets its common name from its distinctive, clean banding, often with little speckling or mottling.
Rock rattlesnakes are found in the Southwestern United States (Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southwestern Texas) and northern central Mexico. They inhabit rocky mountainous areas and talus slopes in arid and semi-arid areas with trees, forests, shrubland, canyons, and rocky desert flats.
Rock rattlesnakes are solitary and primarily nocturnal. They live on the ground and are often more active at colder temperatures than other rattlesnake species. In general, these snakes are not aggressive. They tend to rely heavily on their camouflage, and will often not strike or even rattle their tails unless physically harassed. Most people who get bitten by the rock rattlesnake are often hiking among rocks, where it lives. If someone steps or accidentally touches it, the snake's immediate reaction is to bite.
The venom of this species is primarily a hemotoxin but has been known to have significant neurotoxic effects, as well.
Rock rattlesnakes are carnivores and prey on small mammals, lizards, and sometimes frogs.
Rock rattlesnakes are ovoviviparous. They breed once a year, in the spring, and give birth about 4 months later to 6 to 8 young. The young generally look like miniature versions of the parents and take 3 or more years to mature.
The Rock rattlesnake is listed as a threatened species by New Mexico, although Texas does not protect it. Its habitat is largely inaccessible, and not currently threatened by human development, though it is gradually becoming more and more fragmented.
According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Rock rattlesnake is unknown but certainly exceeds 10,000 and presumably exceeds 100,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are stable.
