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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake vs Western Sand Viper

How does the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake compare to the Western Sand Viper? 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.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Western Sand Viper

Side-by-side comparison

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Western Sand Viper
Scientific name
Crotalus atrox
Vipera ammodytes
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Viperidae
Viperidae
Habitat
Desert and scrubland
Rocky hillsides, scrublands, and dry forests
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Least Concern
Lifespan
10-20 years
12-20 years
Weight
1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs)
100-300 grams

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake vs Western Sand Viper: who would win?

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs)

VS
Western Sand Viper

Western Sand Viper

100-300 grams

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 and scrubland vs Rocky hillsides, scrublands, and dry forests.
  • Weight: 1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs) vs 100-300 grams.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake vs Western Sand Viper: FAQ

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

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 Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and a Western Sand Viper?

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Western Sand Viper differ in several ways — habitat: desert and scrubland vs rocky hillsides, scrublands, and dry forests. weight: 1.1–2.7 kg (2.5–6 lbs) vs 100-300 grams.

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

No — Western Diamondback Rattlesnake lives in desert and scrubland, while Western Sand Viper is found in rocky hillsides, scrublands, and dry forests.

What do Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Western Sand Viper eat?

Both Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Western Sand Viper have a carnivore diet.

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

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

How big are Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Western Sand Viper?

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

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

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Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Western Sand Viper

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Western Sand Viper