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Banded
Rock Rattlesnake
Crotalus
lepidus klauberi
The
largest of Arizona's three montane rattlesnake species, with a range of size of
20" to 32". A light greenish-gray to blue-gray snake with mottling of
pink or salmon sometimes present on the sides. Several dark gray-brown to black
jagged crossbands run dorsally along the back. An almost iridescent green stripe
is often visible running the length of the snake on the dorsum in adult males,
leaving adults sexually dimorphic. The underside is pinkish and becomes darker
toward the tail. The tail ranges from a bright yellow color in young animals to
peach in adults.
Found
above 5000 ft and below 8200 ft in oak/pine woodlands. Banded Rock Rattlesnakes
will frequent rocks. Large rocky outcroppings, rocky streambeds, and talus
slides are all well-favored dwellings for this snake.
This
snake is found active around the clock when conditions are favorable. Eats
lizards, small rodents, snakes, frogs, and centipedes.
This
snake is found in the Sky Island mountains of southeastern Arizona.