Main Characteristics

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are extremely aggressive and they cause more fatalities than any other snake in the USA. They can be coloured grey, brown, olive, or reddish/brown and they have distinctive light coloured diamonds on their back. Their tail is coloured black and white, and at the end is their distinctive rattle.

Habitat

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes can be found in southern USA and northern Mexico. They inhabit dry, rocky terrain where they can conceal themselves in rock crevices and holes. They are solitary and during the winter months they hibernate in caves or burrows.

Diet

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes mainly feed on small mammals, birds and lizards.

Breeding

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes mate in the spring following their winter hibernation. After a period of 167 days, 10 - 20 young are produced. They remain with their mother for a few hours before they disperse. They reach sexual maturity at 3 - 4 years of age.

Predators

Adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes have no natural predators but birds of prey and other snakes prey upon juveniles.

Interesting Facts

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes are also known as:
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Western Diamond Rattlesnake
Adobe Snake
Arizona Diamond Rattlesnake
Desert Diamond-back
Desert Diamond Rattlesnake
Fierce Rattlesnake
Spitting Rattlesnake
Texan Rattlesnake
Texas Diamond-back
Texas Diamond-back Rattlesnake

Similar Animals

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Sidewinder Rattlesnake
South American Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake
Speckled Rattlesnake