Species Reptiles & AmphibiansRock Rattlesnake

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus)
Safety note: Venomous — keep distance

The Rock Rattlesnake is a small, beautifully banded rattlesnake of mountain rock outcrops in the Trans-Pecos and adjacent areas. Its pattern matches the lichen-covered rocks it inhabits perfectly. One of the most colorful rattlesnakes.

Habitat
Rocky mountain slopes, talus fields, and canyon walls above 4,000 feet
Diet
Lizards and small rodents
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Rock Rattlesnake

The best time to see a Rock Rattlesnake is June–August, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,602 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Rock Rattlesnake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Rock Rattlesnake? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Rock Rattlesnake is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Rosy Boa
Rosy Boa
Lichanura trivirgata
Rough Earth Snake
Rough Earth Snake
Virginia striatula
Rough Green Snake
Rough Green Snake
Opeodrys aestivus
Rough Green Snake
Rough Green Snake
Opheodrys aestivus
Rough-skinned Newt
Rough-skinned Newt
Taricha granulosa
Sacramento Mountains Salamander
Sacramento Mountains Salamander
Aneides hardii
Sagebrush Lizard
Sagebrush Lizard
Sceloporus graciosus
San Marcos Salamander
San Marcos Salamander
Eurycea nana