This species grows to an average of less than 100 cm in length, with a maximum of 137.3 cm.   The color varies from shades of brown to pale green depending on the surroundings. The green hue found among Mohave rattlesnakes has led to them being known as "Mohave greens" in some areas. Like C. atrox (the Western Diamondback rattlesnake), which it closely resembles, the C. scutulatus has a dark, diamond pattern down its back. However, with C. scutulatus the white bands on the tail tend to be wider than the black, whereas the band width is usually more equal in C. atrox. Additionally, C. scutulatus has enlarged scales on top of the head between the supraoculars and the light post-ocular stripe passes behind the corner of the mouth. In C. atrox, the crown is covered in small scales and the light post-ocular stripe intersects the mouth.

Common names

Mohave rattlesnake,Mojave green, Mojave diamond rattlesnake, Mojave rattlesnake, desert diamond back, Mojave rattler, scutulated rattlesnake. In Mexico, this species is known as Chiauhcóatl, or víbora de cascabel (rattle-snake in Spanish). C. s. scutulatus has also been referred to as the northern Mohave rattlesnake.

Habitat

Found in the southwestern United States in southern California, southern Nevada, extreme southwestern Utah, most of Arizona, southern New Mexico and western Texas. Also ranges southward through much of Mexico to southern Puebla. It is found in deserts and other areas with xeric vegetation from near sea level to about 2500 m altitude.

Primarily a snake of high desert or lower mountain slopes, they are often found near scrub brush such as mesquite and creosote, but may also reside in lowland areas of sparse vegetation, among cacti, Joshua tree forests, or grassy plains. They tend to avoid densely vegetated and rocky areas, preferring open arid habitats.

Behavior

Most active from April to September, and hibernate alone or in small groups during the winter. Ambush predators, they eat mostly small rodents and lizards. Females bear live young, from two to seventeen (average about eight), from July through September.Although they have a reputation for being aggressive towards people, such behavior is not described in the scientific literature. Like other rattlesnakes, however, they will defend themselves vigorously when disturbed.

Bite symptoms

In people bitten by Venom A Mohave rattlesnakes (those outside the relatively small Venom B area in south-central Arizona), the onset of serious signs and symptoms can be delayed, sometimes leading to an initial underestimation of the severity of the bite. Significant envenomations (as with all snakebites, the amount of venom injected is highly variable and unpredictable) can produce vision abnormalities and difficulty swallowing and speaking; in severe cases, skeletal muscle weakness can lead to difficulty breathing and even respiratory failure.Contrary to popular belief, fatalities are uncommon.


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