Sidewinder Rattlesnake

Crotalus cerastes

Biome: Great Southwest

Classification: Reptiles

Biography: The poisonous sidewinder is sometimes called the "horned rattlesnake" because of the projections over each eye that probably give it some protection from blowing sand. These snakes move in a sidewise looping motion with only two points touching the sand at any one time. This enables them to move over the soft, hot sand more easily. They, like other reptiles, however, cannot remain in the heat for too long. Therefore, they rest in the shade during the daytime, half buried in the sand, and move about at night seeking rats and mice to eat.

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