+8. CROTALUS 



labial portions do not meet on median line in front of the 

 single pair of genials. About four rows of scales between 

 supralabials and eye. Scales in 27 to 29 rows, of which one 

 or two on each side are smooth. Gastrosteges varying from 

 185 to 201. Urosteges 16 to 26. 



The general color is light red, reddish cinnamon, or 

 brownish yellow, with a series of large darker blotches along 

 the back. These blotches are sometimes very indefinite, 

 especially toward the sides. On the middle of the back they 

 are separated by light yellow or white. This light edging 

 may or may not be continued onto the sides, where smaller 

 indefinite dark blotches may often be seen. The head is 

 unicolor above. A faint light stripe crosses the side of the 

 face from the preocular plates to the mouth. The scales 

 behind and above this light stripe are a little darker than 

 the ground color, and sometimes are set off posteriorly by 

 a light line running down and back from the posterior comer 

 of the eye and striking the supralabials in front of the corner 

 of the mouth. The tail is ash-color with from three to five 

 black rings or cross-bars. The lower surfaces are yellowish, 

 often faintly clouded with light brown. 



Length to anus 379 881 935 960 1080 1160 



Length of tail to rattle ._ 49 53 55 60 75 96 



Distribution. — This rattlesnake was first described from 

 a specimen of unknown origin. It has since been found in 

 the western parts of San Diego and Riverside counties, Cali- 

 fornia, and in the northern portion of Lower California, 

 but not in the Cape Region. 



In California, it has been collected in Riverside County 

 at San Jacinto, Riverside, Reche Canyon, the San Jacinto 

 Mountains near Cabazon, and at Dos Palmos Spring, Santa 

 Rosa Mountains, and in San Diego County at Twin Oaks, 



