Mohave Rattlesnake

At a glance

Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.

Confirmed by 4,786 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Arizona, California, and Texas the top jurisdictions by observation count.

Notable details

• Its venom contains Mohave toxin, a powerful presynaptic neurotoxin rare among rattlesnakes.
• It is among the most venomous rattlesnakes in North America.
• Some populations produce mainly neurotoxic venom; others produce primarily hemotoxic venom.
• Adults typically reach 3–4 feet in length.
• It inhabits the Mojave Desert and surrounding arid regions of the southwestern US and Mexico.

Where Mohave Rattlesnake are seen

• Arizona2,142 iNat obs
• California1,014 iNat obs
• Texas922 iNat obs
• New Mexico491 iNat obs
• Nevada126 iNat obs
• Utah91 iNat obs

Jurisdictions with rules for Mohave Rattlesnake

• CaliforniaUnited States · official source

Background

Crotalus scutulatus (common names: Mojave rattlesnake, Mojave green,) is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and central Mexico. It is perhaps best known for its potent neurotoxic-hemotoxic venom, which is considered the world's most potent rattlesnake venom. Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Mohave Rattlesnake article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.