
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
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.