Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Crotalus mitchellii pyrrhus

Common name: Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Size: 21.6-39.4 in (55-100 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A rattlesnake with highly variable dorsal coloration- white to dark grey or shades of pink or orange; dark, diffused bands on back often split by lighter color; keeled scales; large head; salt-and-pepper speckles over entire dorsal pattern; tail with black and white bands, often incompletely encircling tail.

Juveniles: Similar to adults.

Dimorphism: None

Similar species: Crotalus ruber: Has distinct diamond pattern on dorsum; black and white tail bands completely encircle tail. Crotalus viridis: Has diamond pattern on dorsum; prominent eye stripe; lacks black and white tail bands.

Additional notes: An alert, nervous species most often associated with rocky hillsides and outcrops. VENOMOUS; don't handle or use extreme caution.

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