Crotalus cerastes cercobombus

(Savage & Cliff, 1953)

Vernacular names
English : Sidewinder
French : Crotale cornu

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a maximum length of 82 cm. Unmistakable, horns above eyes. Coloration mostly beige to cream. Alternating dark and clear blotches on back. Light brown temporal band. Subspecies with black proximal rattle-matrix lobe.

Range and habitat
The species is found in North America, in south-western USA and north-west Mexico. This subspecies occurs in south-central Arizona and western Sonora. Lives in deserts, mostly in sand dunes areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a large range and remains at least locally common. Collected from the international trade but in rather low numbers.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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