Page 12 - Arkansas Snake Guide

VENOMOUS SNAKES

SUZANNE COLLINS
Western Pigmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius
Range Statewide; lacking records for most of the
Mississippi Delta.
Description Pit viper, keeled scales. Brownish or bluish
gray, 20-30 black blotches on the back; black blotches along
sides. Orange or yellowish brown stripe down center of
back. Black stripe from eye to corner of mouth. Belly dusky
cream-colored with black or brown blotches. Young are
patterned like adults. Adults 15-20 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits Prefers open brushy lowlands,
open hardwood and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Active
April-October; active at night during summer. Breeds in
fall; 4-10 young are born July-September. Feeds on lizards,
rodents, frogs and small snakes. Rattle sounds like the
buzz of an insect and can be heard only at very close
distances.
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