Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri • Squamata, Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae, Sistrurus, Sistrurus miliarius
Found in the southeastern and south-central United States, ranging from eastern Texas and Oklahoma eastward to Georgia and Florida, including locations like San Marcos, Texas.
Look up Western Pygmy Rattlesnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Squamata, Serpentes, Viperidae, Crotalinae, Sistrurus, Sistrurus miliarius
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Primary threats include habitat destruction, fragmentation from urbanization, and intentional killing by humans.
Physical Description
Characterized by a stout body, a grayish to brownish dorsal background with a series of dark blotches along the back and smaller spots on the flanks, a distinct reddish-brown mid-dorsal stripe, a broad triangular head, vertical pupils, keeled scales, and a very small, slender rattle at the tail tip.
Size & Dimensions
Typically reaches an adult length of 40 to 65 cm (15 to 26 inches), with maximum recorded lengths up to nearly 80 cm. The specimen in the image appears to be a smaller individual, possibly a subadult or juvenile.
Habitat
Inhabits flatwoods, floodplains, wet prairies, around the edges of cypress swamps, and pine-oak woodlands, often utilizing ground cover like leaf litter, fallen logs, and clumps of grass.
Diet & Feeding
Preys primarily upon small mammals, frogs, lizards, and occasionally other snakes. Uses an ambush-hunting strategy, sitting motionlessly until suitable prey comes within strike range.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Females typically produce litters ranging from 3 to 14 young, usually born in late summer or early autumn.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Primary threats include habitat destruction, fragmentation from urbanization, and intentional killing by humans.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important ecological role as a predator controlling small mammal and amphibian populations. While sometimes feared due to its rattlesnake status, it generally avoids human interaction.
Notable Features
Features a specialized caudal appendage (rattle) that produces a distinctive buzzing sound when vibrated, serving as a warning mechanism against potential predators.
Notes
San Marcos TX 2026-Oct-03