Head to head
Speckled Rattlesnake vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The speckled rattlesnake and the western diamondback rattlesnake both live in the southwestern United States, but one is known for blending into local rock colour, while the other is the species behind more serious snakebites than any other in the country.
| Speckled Rattlesnake | Western Diamondback Rattlesnake | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Crotalus mitchellii | Crotalus atrox |
| Colouring | Varies by local rock colour, gray to pink to reddish | Grey-brown with dark diamond blotches |
| Typical size | Not among the largest rattlesnakes | Typically 1 to 1.2 m, occasionally over 1.5 m |
| Role in US snakebite statistics | Not a leading cause of bites | Accounts for more serious US snakebites than any other species |
| Habitat | Rocky desert and mountain terrain | Desert, thornscrub, and dry grassland |
| Range | Southwestern United States and parts of Mexico | Southwestern United States and much of northern Mexico |
| Defence | Warning rattle and heat-sensing pits | Warning rattle and heat-sensing pits |
| Conservation status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Speckled Rattlesnake vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: common questions
Which rattlesnake causes more snakebites in the United States?
The western diamondback rattlesnake, which accounts for more serious venomous snakebites and bite deaths than any other snake species in the country, a result of its abundance, size, and willingness to stand its ground rather than exceptionally strong venom.
How do the colours of the speckled rattlesnake and western diamondback differ?
The speckled rattlesnake's colouring varies by region to closely match local rock and soil, from pale gray to pink or reddish, while the western diamondback shows a more consistent grey-brown body marked with dark diamond-shaped blotches.
Which is bigger, the speckled rattlesnake or the western diamondback?
The western diamondback rattlesnake is generally bigger, typically reaching 1 to 1.2 metres and occasionally more, while the speckled rattlesnake is not among the largest rattlesnake species.