Twin-spotted Rattlesnake
Crotalus pricei
A tiny, high-elevation rattlesnake marked by paired rows of small dark spots down its gray body.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft)
- Range
- Sky island mountains of Arizona, USA and northern Mexico
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Overview
The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is one of the smallest rattlesnake species in the United States, restricted to high-elevation sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico. Its name refers to the paired rows of small dark spots running along its back.
It is highly cold-tolerant for a rattlesnake, often found at elevations with cool temperatures and coniferous forest cover.
How to identify it
- Gray to grayish-brown background with two parallel rows of small, dark rounded spots down the back
- Small head and slender body
- Heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Very small rattle
- Distinguished from the similar rock rattlesnake by its smaller size and paired-spot pattern rather than bold crossbands
Habitat & range
Inhabits rocky slopes and coniferous forest edges at high elevations in sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona and adjacent Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active during the day, taking advantage of cooler high-elevation temperatures. Feeds primarily on small lizards. Viviparous, giving birth to small litters of live young. Secretive and rarely encountered due to its remote, high-elevation habitat.
Frequently asked questions
How small is the Twin-spotted Rattlesnake?
It is one of the smallest rattlesnake species, typically under about 60 cm in length.
Where does it live?
It occurs in high-elevation sky island mountains of southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico.
What does it eat?
It feeds mainly on small lizards.
How can I identify it?
Look for two parallel rows of small dark spots on a gray body, distinguishing it from the bolder-banded rock rattlesnake.
Twin-spotted Rattlesnake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Twin-spotted Rattlesnake.
