An extremely rare snake, this species has the least number of actual sightings of any rattlesnake species, limited to just five specimens as of 2014, and limited entirely to adult female specimens (neonate/juvenile males were recorded, but no adults).

It is endemic to the slopes of the volcano Cerro Tancítaro, where it inhabits the rocky scrubland edge of montane pine-fir forests.

It likely feeds on lizards, based upon their abundance on the volcano and lizards being the only food captive specimens would eat.