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Desert Horned Viper vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

How does the Desert Horned Viper compare to the Western Diamondback 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
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Side-by-side comparison

Desert Horned Viper
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific name
Cerastes cerastes
Crotalus atrox
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Viperidae
Viperidae
Habitat
Desert
Desert and scrubland
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
10-18 years
10-20 years
Weight
100-300 grams
1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs)

Desert Horned Viper vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: who would win?

Desert Horned Viper

Desert Horned Viper

100-300 grams

VS
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs)

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake wins high confidence

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs) 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 Desert and scrubland.
  • Weight: 100-300 grams vs 1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs).

Desert Horned Viper vs Western Diamondback Rattlesnake: FAQ

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

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake wins. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is substantially heavier (1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs) 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 Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?

Desert Horned Viper and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake differ in several ways — habitat: desert vs desert and scrubland. weight: 100-300 grams vs 1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs).

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

No — Desert Horned Viper lives in desert, while Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in desert and scrubland.

What do Desert Horned Viper and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake eat?

Both Desert Horned Viper and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake have a carnivore diet.

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

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

How big are Desert Horned Viper and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake?

Desert Horned Viper weighs around 100-300 grams, while Western Diamondback Rattlesnake weighs around 1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs).

Desert Horned Viper

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Desert Horned Viper

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake