Species Reptiles & AmphibiansSidewinder

Sidewinder

Crotalus cerastes

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes)
Safety note: Venomous — keep distance

The Sidewinder moves with a distinctive sidewinding locomotion, leaving parallel J-shaped tracks in sand. Its horned scales above the eyes reduce glare. It buries itself in sand during the day with only its camouflaged back visible.

Habitat
Sand dunes, desert flats, and sandy washes in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts
Diet
Lizards and small rodents
How common
Common

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