What does the descriptor 'faded' primarily refer to regarding the snake's coloration?

Answer

A lack of strong contrast between the dorsal blotches and the ground color.

The term 'faded' speaks directly to the most prominent visual characteristic: the ground color is rarely vibrant, and there is a key lack of strong contrast, making the markings indistinct.

What does the descriptor 'faded' primarily refer to regarding the snake's coloration?
animalreptileserpentviperRattlesnake