Description: A small (total length: 45 - 75 cm [18 - 30 in.]) rattlesnake with a wide, triangular-shaped head. This is the only rattlesnake with horn-like projections over its eyes; these are really enlarged, erect scales. The body color harmonizes with that of the background substrate, but is usually light cream or tan with darker tan to brown blotches on the dorsum. A blackish
stripe angling back and downward from the eye to the rear of the jaw is
noticeable. Sidewinders move in signature sideways motion, often leaving
J-shaped or S-shaped lines in soft sand. Although difficult to see, this species sometimes can be found coiled and partially buried in the sand.
Diet: Feeds on small mammals and lizards which are subdued with its
venomous bite.
Habitat: Mojave desert scrub, mesquite/catclaw, and salt desert scrub
habitats in stream beds, bajadas, hardpan, and barren dune areas below
1,675 m (5,500 ft) in elevation.
Range: This species occurs in southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, western Arizona, and southward into northwestern Mexico. The subspecies in Nevada is the Mojave Desert sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes); other subspecies occur in the Colorado and Sonoran deserts.
Comments: Venomous; an unavoided encounter may become a serious
health risk.