Alternate Name(s):

Horned Rattler

Venom Status:

Venomous

Characteristics:

Sidewinders are iconic North American rattlesnakes. Of the 3 subspecies, all are found in Arizona and 2 in California. The three subspecies are difficult to differentiate, positive identification often relying on locale and the color of the first segment—the base, not the tip– of the rattle. This rattler is adult at between 2 and 2 ½ feet in length. Besides the sidewinding they are best known for the supraocular “horns.” Body color blends well with the sandy habitat they choose. They prefer loose sand in which they shuffle their body back and forth and sink downward from sight, usually with only the head still showing. Rodent burrows are also utilized. Neonates utilize caudal luring, a spasmodic twitching of the tailtip to draw hungry lizards within striking range. In this subspecies the basal segment of the rattle is black. Scales keeled. 23 scale rows at midbody. Use range to assist in identification. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye

Unique Features:

Because of the raised supraocular scales (the horns, if you will) these are easy to identify as a “horned rattlesnake,” a sidewinder but it is harder to determine a subspecies. Basal segment of the rattle is black. Sidewinders are not particularly defensive but they can change the direction of travel quickly. Use care. Use range maps. Ovoviviparous.

Habitat and Diet:

Open sandy desert, with or without sparse vegetation. They often enter the burrows of kangaroo rats. Primarily feeds on lizards, rodents, nestling birds

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA,