PHOTOS	RANGE MAP

All subspecies:
Sistrurus miliarius miliarius
Sistrurus miliarius barbouri
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri

The dusky pigmy rattlesnake is a small species found throughout the marshy lands of the United States southeast. This species was so named because of the dusky or silty appearance that many individuals have. The background color is most often a black gray or brown.

Description:
The body is adorned with many pattern features. The most prominent of the features is a reddish or orange dorsal strip that runs down the back. This stripe may be absent in some populations which tend to be anerythristic or melanistic. The stripe is interrupted by a series of black or brown dorsal blotches usually bordered with some white. Two rows of blotches run laterally on each side with the middle row of blotches typically lighter in color. The belly is white but usually mottled with dark color and has blotches on the edges that can be seen from the side. The tail ends in a miniscule rattle.

dorsal scale rows	ventrals		subcaudals		supralabials	infralabials
21-25		122-144		28-39	10-11	9-14
		123-148		25-35

Length:
This is one of our smallest rattlesnakes with adults reaching average lengths of between 40 - 60 cm. The largest specimen recorded topped out at over 80 cm. Neonates average 17 cm at birth.

Range:

United States:

extreme southeastern Mississippi east through Alabama, Georgia, extreme southern South Carolina and south through Florida.

Habitat:
The dusky pigmy rattlesnake can be found primarily in or near wet habitats from swamps and marshes to the edges of manmade canals. This species can also be found in pine woodlands and palmetto scrub.

Reproduction:
Breeding occurs in the spring or fall months. Litters up to 18 young have been documented but 2 - 9 young are more typical.