A Guide to the Amphibians
and Reptiles of California

Sidewinders found in California

Click on a picture for a larger view

Sidewinders are small, dangerously-venomous rattlesnakes which inhabit flat open sandy areas in the southern deserts. Most often found in very sandy areas, they are sometimes found in rocky areas. They are commonly seen on desert roads at night, but they are also active during the day. They can be identified by their small size, faint blotched pattern, and horns over the eyes. Two subspecies occur in California. They can be distinguished by range and by the color at the base of the tail.


Horns over eyes	Tail has brown coloring at base of rattle
Mojave Desert Sidewinder - Crotalus cerastes cerastes


Horns over eyes	Tail has black coloring at base of rattle
Colorado Desert Sidewinder - Crotalus cerastes laterorepens