Description—The body color of this snake is from gray to grayish-brown. Its back is marked with about 35 small, dark spots which are wider than long. Another row of smaller spots is located along each side toward the belly. Size—Specimens average 18 inches long and large examples may reach a length of more than two feet. Young—The normal brood contains from eight to 10 but some may have as many as 18. Average length of the newborn is five or six inches. Distribution—All county records of this snake, except one from Mitchell County, are in the eastern part of the state. The Mitchell County record may be an error. Records include the following counties: Anderson, Angelina, Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Cooke, Dallas, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Matagorda, McLennan, Mitchell, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, San Jacinto, Smith, Somervell, Victoria, Walker, Wharton, and Wise. The western pigmy rattlesnake prefers to live in dry areas; reports of professional collectors indicate that it is found in greatest number after heavy rains and at night. While more aggressive than its close relative, the massasauga, its small size makes it one of our least dangerous poisonous snakes. Its rattle is small, often difficult to see, and cannot be heard at distances greater than a few feet. [Illustration: Distribution map] WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE _Crotalus atrox_ [Illustration: WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE] Description—Although individuals of this species show a great deal of variation in color, from a chalky white to a dull red, they can be identified immediately by the alternate black and white rings of about equal width on the tail. There is a pattern of brown diamond shaped markings along the middle of the back, which stands out against the lighter body color. Each diamond has a narrow light border. Size—Adults are generally from three and a half to four and a half feet long. Reliable reports indicate that this species grows to a length of over seven and a half feet, and six-foot specimens are not rare. Young—Broods average 10 or 12 but occasionally contain 20 or more. The newborn diamondback is about a foot long and looks very much like the adult. [Illustration: Distribution map]