Most adult Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are about 33-72 inches (84-183 cm) in total length, with a record length recorded of 99 inches (251.5 cm). This is a very large, heavy-bodied snake with a row of large dark diamonds with brown centers and cream borders down its back. The ground color of the body is brownish. The tail is usually a different shade of brown or gray, and toward the end of the tail the diamond pattern fades out or changes into dark bands. The tail ends in a rattle, which is often held above the ground. The dorsal scales of the body are keeled (each scale has a prominent raised ridge). The large and thick head is distinct from the neck and has a light bordered dark stripe running diagonally through each eye. The pupil is vertically elliptical (cat-like), and there is a deep facial pit organ located between the nostril and the eye. There are no large scales on the top of the head except for the scales over the eyes. The coloration of juveniles is the same as described for adults, but it may be brighter with more contrast. The tip of the tail of newborns ends in a “button”, which is the first segment of the future rattle.

Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes are often found in pine flatwoods, longleaf pine and turkey oak hammocks, sand pine scrub areas, and coastal barrier islands. These habitats contain palmetto thickets and gopher tortoise burrows in which these rattlesnakes may seek refuge. This species is occasionally found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats.

Most Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes lie quietly coiled when first discovered. However, if provoked they will coil their bodies and shake their tails, producing a loud buzzing sound. They may also raise the head and neck far off the ground and into an S-shaped striking position. These snakes can strike up to 2/3 their body length. Thus, a 6-foot (183 cm) individual may strike 4 feet (122 cm). Nonetheless, these snakes are not aggressive, and striking is only used in defense as a last resort.

Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes feed primarily on mammals and occasionally birds. Adults feed mostly on rabbits, cotton rats, mice, squirrels, and birds, whereas juveniles prefer mice and rats. These snakes may actively pursue prey by following their scent trails, but more typically these snakes sit and wait to ambush prey.

In Florida, females typically give birth to around 8-29 live young between August and September. Competing males engage in combat dances when trailing females during the breeding season.

No subspecies are currently recognized.

Contrary to folklore, the Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake does not need to rattle before striking. It can lay silently and motionless, and then strike without the usual nervous buzz from its rattle. In fact, Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes that rattle are more likely to be heard, seen, and killed than those individuals that remain silent.

The Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is extremely beneficial to people because it preys on many species that are considered pests. Nevertheless, many are unfortunately killed by people every year. This indiscriminate killing, combined with the widespread loss of rattlesnake habitat to agricultural development, urban sprawl, and the commercial hunting for rattlesnake skins has caused a severe decline in most Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake populations.

Alachua,  Baker,  Bay,  Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, De Soto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, Washington

Upper Florida Keys, Middle Florida Keys, Lower Florida Keys

If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum.

Ernst, C.H. and E.M. Ernst. 2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC. 668 pp.

Krysko, K.L., K.M. Enge, and P.E. Moler. Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida. 2019. University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida. 706 pp.

Means, D.B. 2017. Diamonds in the Rough: Natural History of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Tall Timbers Press, Tallahassee, Florida. 416 pages.

Powell, R., R. Conant, and J.T. Collins. 2016. Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Fourth edition. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Boston and New York. xiv + 494 pp.