Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) (origin: The south-western USA, northern Mexico – desert). Adult size around 90–120 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Mojave rattlesnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 150×80×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes).
Mojave rattlesnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–33 °C, basking spot 36–40 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Mojave rattlesnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Mojave rattlesnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Mojave rattlesnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 36–40 °C
- Humidity
- 30–40 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 150×80×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)
- Substrate
- Desert sand-loam, rock structures
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 90–120 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, northern Mexico – desert
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – in part a strongly neurotoxic venom (Mojave toxin), medically particularly critical; a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
Depending on the population the venom is mainly neurotoxic – the course of a bite differs markedly from other rattlesnakes. Check antivenom availability in advance.
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Related species
- Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) – Expert
- Ridge-nosed rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) – Expert
- Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) – Expert
- Red diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber) – Expert
- Neotropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) – Expert
- Black-tailed rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) – Expert
- Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) – Expert
- Western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×80×90 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, rattlesnakes)), substrate (Desert sand-loam, rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_scutulatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Crotalus&species=scutulatus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).