Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
Photo by Charles Titterington
Photo by Matthew Penton
The pygmy rattlesnake is the smallest of the venomous snake species in Florida.
The word pygmy as an adjective is used in names of animals and plants that are smaller than most.
The average size is 12 to 24" with the current record of only 31” long. They have thick bodies for their size with a triangular shaped head. They are a light to dark gray with black blotches running down the back with orange or rusty color splash between them . Smaller blotches also run down the sides of the body. These snakes are often confused with the non venomous hognose snakes and juvenile black racers which share a similar pattern and coloration. Please see comparison Images at bottom of page.
The Dusky Pygmy rattlesnake occurs throughout the state of Florida except for the keys. Preferred habitats are pine flatwoods, prairies, near lakes and ponds and this also includes the borders of many freshwater marshes and cypress swamps.
Pygmy rattlesnakes do have rattles at the end of their tail. The rattle is very small and only audible when listening closely which is not advised! The sound is similar to a buzzing insect.
Photo by Ed Cassano
Their small size and defensive temperament can lead to an accidental human to snake conflict resulting in a bite. Although most bites are not fatal they are very painful and can cause localized tissue damage. Seeking medical attention is recommended and the antivenom Crofab may be used to minimize the affects and treat an envenomation.
Diet is made up of mostly frogs and toads but will also eat mice or other small rodents.
“Our published research indicates that mother pygmies with nearby pups react vigorously to racers but pregnant females (just days before giving birth) and non-reproductive adult females ignored racers.”
Photo by Charles Titterington
It takes a Dusky pygmy about 2 to 4 years to reach sexual maturity and have a life span of about 20 years. Peak breeding season for pigmy October. Females are ovoviviparous - the young develop in eggs that the female retains inside her body. The young hatch from the eggs, then the mother gives birth to the live young! Clutch size can be as little as 2 up to 12 but is an average of 6 babies.
Check out the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake page to get more rattlesnake facts!
Juvenile Black Racer
Photo by Charles Titterington
Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake
Photo by Charles Titterington
Eastern Hognose Snake
Photo by Daniel Durden