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Description
Picture of a “mottled rock” rattlesnake, Crotalus lepidus lepidus, a small banded rattlesnake species that along with the transpecos copperhead, and black tailed rattlesnake, is found only in the extreme southwestern quadrant of the hurricane prone area of the United States (Tennant 1998), which is of importance to those living in these regions, and first-responders offering aid to those affected by such a disaster. Rock rattlesnakes inhabit the limestone canyons, rock outcroppings, bluffs and mountain woodlands throughout the Transpecos region of Texas, and a small portion of southeastern new Mexico southward through an extensive area of Mexico (Price, Tennant 1998).

The mottled rock rattlesnake is easily recognized by its bluish-gray to pink background color, and its pattern of black jagged-edged crossbands that start out light on the snake’s neck and become increasingly darker, and more prominent posteriorly. The ground color and degree of black mottling in this species varies considerably over the snake’s range, and typically matches the rocks in the locality from which they originated (Tennant, 1998). The tail is often gray to tan, and bears a series of several thin widely spaced black rings. The head of C. lepidus lepidus, typically bears a dark diagonal cheek stripe that extends from the back of the orbit to an area just posterior to the corner of the mouth (Tenant 1998). This rattlesnake is generally considered to be a reclusive and inoffensive specie. Certain populations of have been documented to produce a potent neurotoxic “Mojave” toxin-like peptide (Rael et al, 1992).

This image was created in 2005 and provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Edward J. Wozniak D.V.M., Ph.D.

Keywords
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