Mojave Rattlesnake
Crotalus scutulatus · Viperidae (Pit Viper)
Also called: Mojave Green, Mohave Rattlesnake
Often considered the most dangerous rattlesnake in the US because of its potent neurotoxic-plus-hemotoxic venom. Looks much like a diamondback but with subtle differences.
What the Mojave Rattlesnake looks like
How to identify it
- 1Greenish-gray body with light-edged diamond blotches
- 2White tail bands wider than the black bands (opposite of the diamondback)
- 3Broad triangular head with a light post-eye stripe behind the eye
- 4Prominent rattle
Snakes it's confused with
Black and white tail bands are roughly equal width ('coon tail').
Behavior & danger to humans
Defensive and quick to rattle; its neurotoxic venom makes bites especially serious.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal neurotoxic venom. Treat any bite as a dire emergency.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
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.
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.