Species (Crotalus cerastes) of small, nocturnal rattlesnake, found in sandy deserts of Mexico and the southwestern U.S. It is 18-30 in. (45-75 cm) long. It has hornlike scales above its eyes and is pale tan, pinkish, or gray, with an inconspicuous spotted pattern on the back and sides. It moves by looping itself obliquely across the sand, leaving a characteristic J-shaped trail. Its venomous bite is usually not fatal to humans
{i} species of rattlesnake that moves across sand by making sideways looping motions with its body (native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States); hard punch made from the side