Tiger rattlesnake

Description:

A relatively small species, adults reach less than 100 cm in length. The largest specimen on record measured 88.5 cm. Proportionally, the head is small and the rattle is large. The color pattern consists of a gray, lavender, blue-gray, pink or buff ground color that usually turns to pink, pale orange or cream on the sides. This is overlaid with a series of 35-52 crossbands that are dark gray or brown in color and consist mainly of heavy punctations. These crossbands have vague borders and are wider dorsally than latterally. Also middorsally, the crossbands become wider than the spaces that separate them. Posteriorly, the crossbands also become darker and more clearly defined. The markings on the head are mostly vague and irregular, although towards the rear, a few dark markings may be arranged as paired occipital blotches and upper temporal streaks.

Habitat:

Mixed desert