Photo credit:

Dick Bartlett

Common name

Mottled Rock Rattlesnake

Scientific name

Crotalus lepidus lepidus

Conservation Status

Declining

Federal and State Protections

****Finish adding. State listed as threatened in New Mexico.

Countries of Occurrence

USA, Mexico

States or Providence 

New Mexico (US), Texas (US), Chihuahua (MX), Coahuila (MX)

Counties

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Adult size

18in (45.7cm) - 30.5 (77cm)

Species Description

These small rattlesnakes are highly variable in pattern and coloration, usually gray with dark bands but may range from tan to pinkish. Infants have a bright orange or yellow tail tip, which they likely use for caudal luring (swinging the tail as bait to attract prey).

They are known for their association with rocky habitats, typically found in coniferous forests or dry, wooded stream-beds, outcrops/exposed ridgelines, and creosote-cactus scrub. Lizards are their primary prey item, but they are known to occasionally target small rodents. Young may also eat insects.