Download Reptiles of Nevada PDF - The Great Basin Institute

Desert Tortoise
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific name:
Gopherus agassizii
Description:
36 centimeters in length and about 17 pounds in weight. The tope part of the shell is
highly domed and flattened dorsally. The bottom part of the shell is yellowish. Thick scaly
limbds, the tail and head can be pulled inside the shell. The hind legs are elephant like
while the front legs are shovel-like.
Life span:
80 + years
Habitat and range:
Desert tortoises are found in desert scrubland habitat in the Mojave desert at about
1000-4000 ft in elevation. This range includes the southwestern united states (Nevada,
California, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico)
Food:
They are herbivores, mainly eating grasses, cacti and forbs as well as some insects.
Scientific name:
Crotalus atrox
Description:
The largest of the rattlesnakes found in Nevada, it can reach 4 feet in length. It has a
broad head, and a rattle at the tip of the tail that has distinguishable black and white
stripes. It s color can range from gray to brown, and has characterized diamond shapes on
its scales.
Life span:
20 + years
Habitat:
In Nevada it is only found in Lake Mohave, Searchlight and Laughlin areas of southern
Nevada. Its range extends most of the southern United States.
Food:
Most of its prey consists of small mammals—prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, gophers, voles
and mice.
Horny Toad
Devils hole Pup Fish
Mountain Yellow-legged Frog
Scientific name:
Phymosoma platyrhinos
Description:
About 2 inches long, has a spiny fringed color, discshaped body and a short, sharp, serrated tail. Colors can
range from white to green.
Life span:
6 - 7 years
Habitat and range:
They are located in southern Nevada in areas of short
sagebrush with plenty of sunny rocky areas.
Food:
Main food is insects such as ants and small beetles.
Scientific name:
Cyprinodon diabolis
Description:
This is the smallest desert species in the Cyprinodon genus. Less than 1 inch long, with no pelvic fins and large
heads and long anal fins. Males are deep solid blue and
have a black band on the caudal fin.
Life span:
About 1 year
Habitat and Range:
Devil’s hole and the pupfish are located in the Amargosa
desert in southwestern Nevada. A 22 thousand year old
species, they are only found in this warm water pool, and
are protected.
Food:
They eat the algae in the pool.
Scientific name:
Rana mucosa
Description:
A small frog species at only 7 centimeters in length, its
lower abdomen and legs are yellow or orange. It has a yellowish or reddish color on its dorsum with black or brown
spots. Juveniles have less color. When handled they smell
like garlic.
Life span:
unknown
Habitat and Range:
They prefer mountain creeks and lakes, particularly
sunny riverbanks, meadow streams, isolated pools and lake
borders. Usually found at 1200-7550 feet.
Over the last few years their range has decreased by 90%
and placed them on the endangered species list.
Food:
As tadpoles they feed on algae, but once an adult they
feed primarily on insects.