Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry that I missed all of the "buzz" surrounding the Hueco lepidus. These animals are indeed currenly classified as Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus lepidus). Snowsnake had mentioned that they were Banded Rock Rattlesnakes, citing that the ones that he saw had "neck blotches"... well, ALL four subspecies of lepidus have "neck blotches". Typical lepidus lepidus have dual (split) nuchal blotches, as well as well defined postocular (eye) stripes and bands that are more contrasting toward the posterior end of the body. Typical lepidus klauberi have a single nuchal blotch, poorly defined postocular stripes, and the bands are the same intensity anteriorly as well as posteriorly. Again, that is in typical animals...

Here are a few more photos of Hueco lepidus lepidus... although my shots aren't as nice as the one that Box posted a few days ago!

These are from the main highway:

This one was LEGALLY collected by UTEP in the Hueco Tanks State Park:

So there you go...

Happy herpin'...

MP

"Better late than never" Mike. Thanks for posting. I knew that snowsnake guy was wrong but wanted an "expert" like yourself to jump in and set him straight. Thanks for the photos. Still want to pick your brain one of these days about leps. Your posters are fantastic. Any klaub or maculoses posters in the works? Thanks again.
Brad Anderson

Thanks for the kind words Brad...
I am currently working on a Banded Rock Rattlesnakes of New Mexico poster (just need one more photo!) as well as a poster of the 5 subspecies of willardi (have all the photos, just need to finish the darn thing!).
The problem with maculosus, as neat of an animal as they are, is that "once you have seen one, you have seen them all". Now that is not ENTIRELY true, but for the most part, there really is no major pattern differences and the color differences are typically very subtle... I am by no means an expert on these little guys as some other guys are, but the one that we have on display at the Nature Center receives far less attention than it should. People would rather see an albino atrox (or our 5 foot atrox) than a rare snake like maculosus... isn't that right Chris H.??? LOL!

Happy herpin'...

MP

Hey Michael,

Have I ever told you I know a spot where Hueco leps are easy to find, especially at this time of year?

C

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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Yeah, I have heard so much about them that I am beginning to think they are "imaginary!" LOL!

Aren't you supposed to be looking up numbers from a Mexico map for someone (or something like that??)

Happy herpin'...

MP

Hey, thanks very much for posting these beautiful shots. Is this forum great or what?! --Henry W