A Mohave Rattlesnake extracting late-afternoon warmth from a gravel road

''Crotalus scutulatus'' is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and central Mexico. It is perhaps best known for its potent neurotoxic-hemotoxic venom, which is considered the world's most potent rattlesnake venom. Two subspecies are recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.