Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous, considered dangerous to humans. Adult length 35-45 inches. Occurs in shades of grey, brown, or green. Occasionally light brown or yellowish in color. All indivi…
How to identify
Venomous, considered dangerous to humans. Adult length 35-45 inches. Occurs in shades of grey, brown, or green. Occasionally light brown or yellowish in color. All individuals have greenish-grey blotches, wide triangular head, thin neck, and blunt tail with a rattle. Vertical pupils and pits on each side of head & below each nostril.
Range
Central United States. Range extends north to Canada, south to Texas, east to Iowa, and west to Idaho.
Habitat
Terrestrial. Generally occur in dry areas with moderate foliage. Found in rocky areas, grasslands, prairies, and forests.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Viridis: Latin for green, referencing the dorsum coloration of some adults.
At a glance
Size
25 to 165 cm
Range
Central United States. Range extends north to Canada, south to Texas, east to Iowa, and west to Idaho.
Habitat
Terrestrial. Generally occur in dry areas with moderate foliage. Found in rocky areas, grasslands, prairies, and forests.
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap