Despite tolerance of elevations from 305 to 2926 meters (1000 to 9600 feet), the rock rattlesnake is found in disjunct populations from southern Arizona to south central Texas (Stebbins 1985: 228). In Texas and throughout both subspecies’ range, rock rattlesnakes can be found in mountain habitats and plateau canyons, often associated with rock outcrops or talus slopes (Vincent, 1982). In forested habitats, it can be found in rocky areas with sparse vegetation and sunlight, such as streamsides or boulder fields (Degenhardt et al. 1996: 345). One to three indistinct bands between the dark crossbands are responsible for the mottled look of the mottled rock rattlesnake. A dark line extending from behind the eye to the corner of the mouth can also be used to distinguish the mottled rock from the banded rock rattlesnake (Stebbins 1985: 228). The mottled rock rattlesnake (Photo 3) is far more common in Texas; the banded rock rattlesnake (Photo 4) has been documented in El Paso and Culberson Counties in extreme western Texas, with a great deal of phenotypic overlap between subspecies (Price 1998: 65). Go to range map.

Photo 3 (From Degenhardt et al, 1996)