Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 46

Rosy Boa: Lichanura trivirgata

Range: Rosy Boas are
found in the southwestern
United States as well as
northwestern Mexico.

Typical Size: Rosy

Boas on average only
reach 3 ½ feet long.

Distinguishing/Key
Features: The Rosy Boa
often has a salmon colored underbelly. The Rosy Boa is often patterned with a stripe down its
back or a more spotted pattern. Rosy Boas are colored anywhere from a salmon, grey, or tan.

Habitat: Rosy Boas can be found in rocky areas near streams.

Interesting Observations: The Rosy Boa has a rounded head that should be good for
burrowing.
 Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 47

Sonoran Desert Sidewinder: Crotalus cerastes

cerobombus
Range: The Sonoran Desert Sidewinder can be found along the United States-Mexico border. It
is primarily local to the border regions of Yuma, Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties in Arizona.

Typical Size: Adult Sonoran Desert Sidewinders are typically 25 inches in length.

Distinguishing/Key Features:
The Sonoran Desert Sidewinder can
be most easily identified by the
horn like projections that can be
found over each eye. The coloration
of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder
varies between tan, pinkish-tan,
light gray, brown, gray-brown, and
chalky-white. Often the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder has blotched or striped markings.

Habitat: Sonoran Desert Sidewinders are often found inhabiting desertscrub regions in the
Mojave desert, Lower Colorado River Valley, and Sonoran desert. The Sonoran Desert
Sidewinder is also commonly seen in open sandy areas as well as sand dunes.

Interesting Observations: The back of the Sonoran Desert Sidewinder had what appeared to
be very rough elevated scales but the underbelly appeared smooth.

Interesting Facts: Sonoran Desert Sidewinders are ambush hunters that coil and wait for
unsuspecting prey come by. They often do this while buried in sand having only their heads and
dorsum uncovered.
 Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 48

Spiny-tailed Iguana: Ctenosaura hemilopha

Range: The Spiny-tailed Iguana is
endemic to Baja California.

Typical Size: On average adults

are 39 inches in length.

Distinguishing/Key Features:
Spiny-tailed Iguanas are green, tan,
yellow, in coloring and they turn
grey as they get older. Males can get a dorsal crest and large jowls.

Habitat: Spiny-tailed Iguanas can be found in old woodpecker nests in cacti and tree cavities.

Interesting Observations: The tail of the Spiny-tailed Iguana has rings of spine ridges.
 Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 49

Tiger Rattlesnake: Crotalus tigris

Range: The Tiger Rattlesnake ranges from central Arizona to Sonora, Mexico.

Typical Size: Adult Tiger Rattlesnakes are

around 35 inches in length.

Distinguishing/Key Features: The Tiger

Rattlesnake can be identified by its small
triangular head. Tiger Rattlesnakes are often grey
or orange-brown. They have dark bands and
flecks that give it a “tiger” like appearance.

Habitat: The Tiger Rattlesnake can be found in

regions like Sonoran Desertscrub, Chihuahuan
Desertscrub, Interior Chaparral, Madrean Evergreen Woodlands, rocky slopes, and washes.

Interesting Observations: The yellow-tanish coloring and light blotches camouflaged the
Tiger Rattlesnake in the Buffelgrass.

Interesting Facts: The Tiger Rattlesnake has the smallest head of any rattlesnake species.
 Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 50

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake:

Range: The Western
Diamond-backed
Rattlesnake can be found
in the southwestern
United States and the
northern half of Mexico.

Typical Size: Western

Diamond-backed
Rattlesnakes range from
3 to 5 feet in length.

Distinguishing/Key Features: The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake has a triangular

head with two dark diagonal lines on its face going from its eyes to its jaw. The Western
Diamond-backed Rattlesnake has a dark diamond pattern that goes the length of its back. The tail
of the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake has black and white bands just above the rattles.

Habitat: The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake can be found in deserts, forests, grassy
plains, and rocky hillsides.

Interesting Observations: The scales have a salt and pepper freckling to them instead of
being completely solid.