 |
Arizona Ridgenose Rattlesnake
Crotalus willardi willardi
A small montane rattlesnake species, ranging in lengths of 18" to 24". A prominent ridge of upturned scales between the nostrils gives this snake it's name. The body coloration varies from a reddish brown to a gray-brown with pale whitish crossbands that may be broken or incomplete on some specimens. The white bands are usually lined with darker coloration along the front and back edges. The underside is cream to white colored with occasional mottling or grayish to reddish brown.
The
Ridge-nose Rattlesnakes are usually found among rocks and leaf litter above 4000
ft and below 9000 ft in oak/pine woodlands.
Primarily
diurnal. Sometimes crepuscular if conditions are favorable. Possibly nocturnal
at lower elevations. Primarily consumes lizards, mice, and centipedes but
occasionally takes birds and scorpions.
This
snake is found in the Sky Island mountains of southeastern Arizona.