Pygmy rattlesnake
A species of Ground rattlesnakes, Also known as Ground rattlesnake, Death rattler, Little rattlesnake, North american smaller rattlesnake Scientific name : Sistrurus miliarius Genus : Ground rattlesnakes
Pygmy rattlesnake, A species of Ground rattlesnakes
Also known as:
Ground rattlesnake, Death rattler, Little rattlesnake, North american smaller rattlesnake
Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius
Genus: Ground rattlesnakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Sistrurus miliarius is a venomous pit viper species found in the southeastern United States. Three subspecies are currently recognized including the nominate subspecies described here.
General Info
Lifespan
15-22 years
Diet
Pygmy rattlesnake primarily consumes small mammals. It uses heat-sensitive pits on its face to locate warm-blooded prey like mice and voles. Meticulous ambush hunter, pygmy rattlesnake strikes swiftly, subduing its meal with venom.
Appearance
Pygmy rattlesnake is a small, stout-bodied snake with keeled scales for a rough texture. It showcases a range of colorations from gray, brown to reddish with black or dark brown crossbands. Unique to this species is a rattle at the tail end, although it's relatively smaller compared to other rattlesnakes. Its head is notably wider than the neck and bears a distinctive pattern on top.
Behavior
Pygmy rattlesnake exhibits a primarily nocturnal lifestyle, usually solitary besides during breeding. It primarily uses ambush predation for hunting, remaining still and attacking when prey comes into proximity. Its rattle is deployed as a defensive threat display against potential predators. It does not usually engage in territorial behavior, exhibiting high tolerance to conspecifics within its range.
Population
Stable
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Vipers Genus
Ground rattlesnakes Species
Pygmy rattlesnake