Coloration is similar to the two eastern subspecies, except that most specimens tend to become darker at a younger age.

Many specimen from Idaho tend to be larger than those found further north in its region.

Younger specimens will often bite, but tend to calm down as they become used to handling.

Juvenile specimens tend to have yellow body color with white spots (Ross 1988).

Although there is a large supply of slide rules circulating on the market, specimens in good condition tend to be expensive.

This particular specimen, probably because of its height and relative position to the body, tends to inhibit right hand movement.

Two specimens tend to be more likely to fight than small groups.

Captive specimens prefer mice and tend to lose interest in lizards especially if they remain motionless.

Adult males average slightly larger than females, but the largest specimens tend to be females.

They are best when collected young; older specimens tend to be bitter from being fouled by insects.