Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus · Viperidae (Pit Viper)
Also called: Diamondback, Eastern Diamond Rattler
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
What the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake looks like
How to identify it
- 1Bold diamond pattern outlined in cream/yellow down the back
- 2Heavy, thick body with a clearly segmented rattle on the tail
- 3Broad triangular head much wider than the neck
- 4Dark diagonal stripe through each eye bordered by light lines
Snakes it's confused with
Harmless; upturned snout, no rattle, flattens neck like a cobra.
Harmless; slender body, round pupils, no rattle.
Behavior & danger to humans
Will stand its ground and rattle a loud warning when threatened. Strikes can reach up to two-thirds of its body length.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal. Any bite requires immediate emergency care and antivenom.
Related snakes
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.
VenomousWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
The classic Western rattlesnake responsible for the most snakebite deaths in the US. Recognizable by the black-and-white 'coon tail' banding above the rattle.