Photo credit:

Gary Nafis of californiaherps.com

Common name

Panamint Rattlesnake

Scientific name

Crotalus stephensi

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Federal and State Protections

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Countries of Occurrence

United States of America

States or Providence 

California, Nevada

Counties

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Adult size

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Species Description

This medium-sized rattlesnake can be found in southern California and in Nevada. While it is more frequently found in hilly or mountainous areas with scattered rock formations, it can be found in a variety of other habitats and elevations. This species breeds in mid-spring and will give birth to 3-5 young.

Fun fact: In 2007, the panamint rattlesnake was elevated to its own species, Crotalus stephensi, after being a subspecies of the speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus mitchellii. This was determined through DNA and morphology, and the study concluded that this species of rattlesnake did not interbreed with the southwestern speckled rattlesnake. It's important to distinguish isolated species to further influence conservation of biodiversity!