Snakes
Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes
Across the regions where it's common, the Sidewinder peaks from April to October.
Shows up in 2 ecoregions and 3 states · venomous
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Snakes
Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes
Description
Crotalus cerastes, also known commonly as the horned rattlesnake, the sidewinder, and the sidewinder rattlesnake, is a species of pit viper, a venomous snake in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. A small species, adult specimens of Crotalus cerastes measure between 43 and 80 cm (17 and 31.5 in) in total length (tail included).Wikipedia ↗
Habitat
In the Southwestern United States, Crotalus cerastes is found in the desert region of southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and western Arizona. The species is native to desert regions of the Southwestern United States and adjacent northwestern Mexico.Wikipedia ↗
When it's active
The species is nocturnal during hot months and diurnal during the cooler months of its activity period, which is roughly from November to March (probably longer in the southern part of its range). Like most other viperids, the young are born enveloped in thin embryonic membranes, from which they emerge shortly after being expelled from the mother.Wikipedia ↗
Venom
Brown (1973) gives a venom yield of 33 mg (Klauber, 1956) and LD50 values for mice of 2.6 mg/kg IV, 3.0, 4.0, 2.3 mg/kg IP and 5.5 mg/kg SC for toxicity.Wikipedia ↗
Harmless look-alikes
When and where it's active
Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.
Ecoregions
States
About the Sidewinder
When is the Sidewinder most active?
Across the regions where it's common, the Sidewinder peaks from April to October.
Where does the Sidewinder live?
It has enough records to show in 2 ecoregions and 3 states, including Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Is the Sidewinder venomous?
Yes. The Sidewinder is venomous. Don't handle it, and give it room.
What snakes get mistaken for the Sidewinder?
Harmless lookalikes include the Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, and Eastern Hognose Snake.