[Illustration: BANDED ROCK RATTLESNAKE] Description—This snake is very similar to the mottled rock rattlesnake, with which it might be confused, but from which it differs by having a more mottled appearance between the crossbands and a dark stripe from the eye to the angle of the mouth. It has a pattern of about 18 or 20 widely spaced dark crossbands with irregular edges in contrast to its gray body color. Belly color varies from cream to pink. In the Chisos Mountains, where there is much reddish igneous rock, the normal color of this snake is pinkish; the variety has been given the name of “pink rattler” by people of that region. Specimens from the limestone ledges along the Pecos Canyon at Howard Creek and Sheffield are very light in color, resembling the limestone rock on which they are found. Size—This is one of our smallest rattlesnakes, having an average length of two feet. The rattle is rather large in proportion to the small size of the snake. Young—About four are born in a brood and they measure about seven and a half inches at birth. Distribution—This form is restricted to the mountainous areas of the western and southwestern parts of the state; it has been found in the following counties: Brewster, Culberson, Edwards, Jeff Davis, Maverick, Pecos, Presidio, Real, Terrell, and Val Verde. Because of its small size and distribution restricted to rocky places at high elevations, the banded rock rattlesnake cannot be considered a serious menace to man. Apparently there is no record of anyone ever having been bitten by this snake. It has a quiet disposition and, if alarmed, will immediately retreat within the masses of jumbled rock which are its home. [Illustration: Distribution map] MOTTLED ROCK RATTLESNAKE _Crotalus lepidus klauberi_ [Illustration: MOTTLED ROCK RATTLESNAKE] Description—This species and the banded rock rattlesnake look much alike. Both are small and slender, and marked with a series of widely-spaced dark crossbands along the length of the body and tail. The banded rock rattlesnake, however, has about 20 or 22 dark brown or black crossbands, which contrast strongly with its greenish-gray body color. It further differs from the banded rock rattlesnake in lacking a dark stripe from the eye to the angle of its mouth. Size—Adults average two feet in length. Young—A record of one brood is the only known published information concerning the young of this snake. Carl F. Kauffeld of the Staten Island Zoo mentioned a litter of four and wrote: