Easily recognized by the brown diamond-shaped patterns along its back, the Western diamondback rattlesnake is the most widespread venomous snake in Texas. Also known as the “coontail” for its distinctive black-and-white ringed tail.
Residing primarily in the eastern third of Texas, the timber rattlesnake, or “canebrake,” is notable for its entirely black tail, often called the “velvet-tail.” These snakes typically have a brown or tan body, sometimes adorned with an orange stripe running along the back.
This species thrives in the mountainous areas of West Texas, favoring rocky terrains as its habitat. The mottled rock rattlesnake is distinguished by its cream or pinkish color, with narrow bands and mottled regions separating these bands.
Found in the far western parts of Texas, the banded rock rattlesnake is elusive and difficult to spot. While similar in appearance to the mottled rock rattlesnake, it usually has darker and duller coloring.
This species is mainly found in West Texas, occasionally extending into Central Texas. Known for its distinctive black tail, the blacktail rattlesnake is seldom encountered outside its typical range.
Although similar in markings to the Western diamondback, the Mojave rattlesnake is shorter and more slender, with a slight greenish hue to its scales. This species is restricted to the extreme western regions of Texas.
Occupying the plains of the western third of Texas, the prairie rattlesnake holds the broadest range of any rattlesnake species in the United States. This adaptability allows it to thrive in various environments, from grasslands to desert regions.
Belonging to the Sistrurus genus rather than the Crotalus genus like many other rattlesnakes, the Western massasauga is found throughout Central Texas. Known for its smaller size and distinct rattle, this species prefers wetland areas and prairies.
A relative of the Western massasauga, the desert massasauga is smaller, more slender, and lighter in color. It inhabits the Trans-Pecos region, the western Panhandle, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas.