Hopi Rattlesnake

This Hopi rattlesnake was scurrying across the trail I was hiking on in the northern Arizona desert. It slithered its way into this small sagebrush where it curled up into its typical defensive position, but did not give off its typical warning sound, the rattle of its tail. Instead, it allowed me to photograph it, reluctantly no doubt. Captured in Monument Valley Tribal Park, northern Arizona.

comments (7)

travismorhardt

Lion

There are three listed subspecies of western rattlesnakes; I think this one to be Crotalus viridis nuntius, but it is very hard to tell, as all share similar color patterns and markings on their backs. For the purpose of JD, I feel that species level is sufficient, but I always to like to try to get it down to subspecies if at all possible :) Also, note that this was my first wild rattlesnake sighting! Posted 10 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  And a spectacular one it is! Your photography is truly real and wild, your photos breath it. Posted 10 years ago
2. 1. travismorhardt
    
    Lion
    
    Thank you for that, Ferdy! I really try to aim for true and wild shots. I like the challenge of capturing a true wild setting or creature :) Posted 10 years ago
3. TristanV
  
  Lion
  
  Figuring out this subspecies would be difficult especially when the two subspecies overlap in their range and interbreed. This individual looks quite red, which is very cool. And congrats on your first rattlesnake! My first was this summer and its the other crotalus viridis (viridis) pictured. Posted 10 years ago

stephen whittaker

Lion

An amazing photo! Posted 10 years ago
1. travismorhardt
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Stephen! Posted 10 years ago

travismorhardt

Lion

I was just informed by another user on another sight that this is indeed a subspecies of the western rattlesnake, the Hopi rattlesnake C. viridius nuntius. I have updated the information to comply, and it is a species intro as well! Posted 10 years ago, modified 10 years ago

The Hopi Rattlesnake

:''Common names: Hopi rattlesnake, Arizona prairie rattlesnake, prairie rattlesnake.''
''Crotalus viridis nuntius'' is a venomous pitviper subspecies native primarily to the desert plateau of the northeastern portion of the American state of Arizona, but also ranges into northwestern New Mexico. Named for the Native American Hopi tribe, which inhabits the region, its range overlaps that of the dominate subspecies and some interbreeding is believed to occur. The taxonomy of the ''C. viridis''.. more

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Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by travismorhardt