Midget Faded Rattlesnake (Western Rattlesnake)
This small rattlesnake's pattern fades as it gets older, making it appear to be the same color as the ground.
About This Species
Like all rattlesnakes, the faded midget rattlesnake has a rattle on its tail that warns predators of its presence and has a venomous bite that is dangerous to humans.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Horny rattle or button on end of tail; numerous small scales on top of head; head much broader than neck; pit on each side of face between (but lower than) eye and nostril; upper side usually blotched; upper scales keeled; pupil vertically elongate (like a cat’s) in bright light; adults rarely exceed 65 cm (26 inches) total length.
Range
Mainly Mesa, Delta, and Garfield Counties.
Habitat
Virtually every terrestrial habitat within the geographic and elevational range; sandhills, semidesert shrubland, mountain shrubland, riparian zones, piñon-juniper woodland, and montane woodland; soils may be sandy to rocky; absent from perennially wet areas and high mountains; basically terrestrial, but sometimes climbs into vegetation or onto rocks or logs. Takes shelter in crevices, woodpiles, brushy vegetation, or mammal burrows. Hibernates in rodent burrows or in crevices in rock outcrops.
Diet
Typical food items include small mammals, lizards, occasional birds and spadefoot toads, and sometimes carrion.
Prey are ambushed or obtained by active foraging.
Reproduction
Females give birth to their young between late August and early October.