All comparisons

Desert Horned Viper vs Prairie Rattlesnake

How does the Desert Horned Viper compare to the Prairie Rattlesnake? They are both members of the Viperidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Desert Horned Viper
Prairie Rattlesnake

Side-by-side comparison

Desert Horned Viper
Prairie Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Cerastes cerastes
Crotalus viridis
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Viperidae
Viperidae
Habitat
Desert
Grasslands and prairies
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
10-18 years
10-20 years
Weight
100-300 grams
250-900 grams

Desert Horned Viper vs Prairie Rattlesnake: who would win?

Desert Horned Viper

Desert Horned Viper

100-300 grams

VS
Prairie Rattlesnake

Prairie Rattlesnake

250-900 grams

Prairie Rattlesnake wins moderate confidence

Prairie Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (250-900 grams vs 100-300 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are reptiles.
  • Both belong to the Viperidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.
  • Both are listed as Least Concern.

Differences

  • Habitat: Desert vs Grasslands and prairies.
  • Weight: 100-300 grams vs 250-900 grams.

Desert Horned Viper vs Prairie Rattlesnake: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Desert Horned Viper or a Prairie Rattlesnake?

Prairie Rattlesnake wins. Prairie Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (250-900 grams vs 100-300 grams). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Desert Horned Viper and a Prairie Rattlesnake?

Desert Horned Viper and Prairie Rattlesnake differ in several ways — habitat: desert vs grasslands and prairies. weight: 100-300 grams vs 250-900 grams.

Do Desert Horned Viper and Prairie Rattlesnake live in the same habitat?

No — Desert Horned Viper lives in desert, while Prairie Rattlesnake is found in grasslands and prairies.

What do Desert Horned Viper and Prairie Rattlesnake eat?

Both Desert Horned Viper and Prairie Rattlesnake have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Desert Horned Viper or the Prairie Rattlesnake?

Desert Horned Viper is listed as Least Concern, while Prairie Rattlesnake is listed as Least Concern.

How big are Desert Horned Viper and Prairie Rattlesnake?

Desert Horned Viper weighs around 100-300 grams, while Prairie Rattlesnake weighs around 250-900 grams.

Desert Horned Viper

Full profile

Desert Horned Viper

Prairie Rattlesnake

Full profile

Prairie Rattlesnake