Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes
The sidewinder is a small rattlesnake of the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, often found on loose sand, dunes, washes, and scrubby flats. It moves with a distinctive sideways looping motion that reduces contact with hot sand and leaves J-shaped tracks. This ambush predator buries part of its body in sand and waits for lizards, small rodents, and other small animals to pass within striking range. A pair of hornlike scales above the eyes helps protect them from sand while it hides.
- Type
- Venom / Stealth
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- ?
- Sidewinder