Species profile
Sidewinder
Crotalus cerastes
At a glance
Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 4,054 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Arizona, and Nevada the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Sidewinders use a unique lateral rolling motion to cross loose desert sand efficiently.
- They are among the smallest US rattlesnakes, typically reaching just 18–30 inches.
- Horn-like scales projecting above each eye give sidewinders their unmistakable silhouette.
- They are largely nocturnal, avoiding dangerous extremes of desert daytime heat.
- Sidewinders bury themselves in sand with only the head exposed while ambushing prey.
Where Sidewinder are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Sidewinder
Background
The sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes), also known as the horned rattlesnake and sidewinder rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species belonging to the genus Crotalus (rattlesnakes) and is found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Three subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Sidewinder article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.