Banded rock rattlesnake
Conservation Messaging Opportunities
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.
Range and Habitat
Range – Southwestern United States to North Central Mexico
Diet: Carnivore
Wild – small mammals, lizards, and sometimes frogs
Zoo – mice, very small rats, hatchling quail
Lifespan
Wild – Unknown; based on related species, most likely 10-15 years
Zoo – Average is around 20 years. The oldest known individual in human care was 33 years, 7 months old at the time of its death.
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.
Conservation: Least Concern
Wide distribution and presumed large population with many populations within protected areas.
Under protection in Arizona and New Mexico.
Some populations have suffered illegal collection for the pet trade.
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).
References
Brennan, T. Rock Rattlesnake (Crotaus lepidus). Accesed at http://www.reptilesofaz.org/Snakes-Subpages/h-c-lepidus.html
EOL: Encyclopedia of Life (online). Crotalus lepidus. Accessed at http://eol.org/pages/1056411/details
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. (Online). Accessed at http://www.iucnredlist.org/search
Rorabaugh, J. Tuscan Herpetological Society. Rock Rattlesnake (Crotaus lepidus). Accesed at https://tucsonherpsociety.org/inhabitants/rock-rattlesnake/
Updated March 2024