Banded rock rattlesnake

Physical features

• This species is a venomous pit viper. The pit is easily seen between the eye and the nostril.

• This is a small species, rarely exceeding 32 inches (less than 3 feet), with males being larger than females.

• Color pattern varies greatly – generally it reflects the colors of the snake’s natural environment which is mostly limestone so they tend to be light grey in color, with dark grey banding. Some populations have darker mottling while others have very distinct dark bands. At higher altitudes they tend to be darker in color.

• There is some evidence for sexual dimorphism on the basis of color. Males typically exhibit greenish or blueish hues between the dark bands, while females are often darker gray or have a lavender or pinkish hue between the darker bands.

Diet: Carnivore

• Wild – small mammals, lizards, and sometimes frogs

• Zoo – mice, very small rats, hatchling quail

Reproduction

• Ovoviviparous, which means they give birth to live young from eggs retained inside the female's body.

• Breed once a year (spring) and give birth about four months later to 6-8 young

• Young take 3 or more years to mature. Males reach sexual maturity earlier than females.

Interpretive Information

• Many common names including: Texas rock rattlesnake, white rattlesnake, rock rattlesnake, pink rattlesnake, eastern rock rattlesnake, blue rattlesnake, and little green rattlesnake to name a few.

• Relies heavily on camouflage and the background colors of various populations closely match the colors of the rocks around them.

• This is one of four relatively unique subspecies (population segments) of rock rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus).

Updated March 2024