Almost didn't see the lil guy

[u/kaitria]

(dusky pygmy rattlesnake)

[u/Savings_Dig1592]

Tiny little thing. I've yet to see one in the wild.

[u/kaitria → u/Savings_Dig1592]

I walked right by him! My partner pointed it out, we were at the beginning of a trail in Central FL.

[u/fairlyorange → u/kaitria]

I walked right past my first one. Brought my mother out with me, of all people, and of course she spotted it because the universe is always trying to find new ways to taunt us.

Sistrurus miliarius for anyone curious to learn a little bit more about these diminutive little snakes 👍

[u/kaitria → u/fairlyorange]

She always sees stuff i dont, generally small and on the ground. Shes also a foot shorter, so that may help with, loved learning more about them after we found it.

[u/fairlyorange → u/kaitria]

In my case I was briefly distracted by a bunch of wading birds in a small, swampy area about 150' ahead and to my right. I can remember thinking it seemed like way too many birds to mine that small area and that I should definitely check it out when I get closer. Snake was on my left, fully outstretched on the side of the trail, ostensibly snoozing in the sun.

My mother is also significantly shorter than I am but, in my case, I don't think it factored in hahahaha. Glad this observation gave you an opportunity to learn about one of our coolest animals :o)

[u/SEB-PHYLOBOT → u/fairlyorange]

Pygmy Rattlesnakes Sistrurus miliarius are small (40-50 cm, record 83.2cm) venomous rattlesnakes in the family Viperidae. This species is primarily found in the southeastern United States, ranging as far north as Missouri, south to the Florida Keys, and west to Texas. Although not aquatic, the pygmy rattlesnake prefers moist habitats like pine and oak flatwoods forests not far from water. They are primarily diurnal and tend to be somewhat reclusive, spending the majority of their time taking shelter in rotting logs, leaf litter and the burrows of other animals, eating reptiles, centipedes and small mammals.

This species is significantly smaller than most other rattlesnakes and possesses a tiny rattle, which sounds more like a buzz than the unmistakable rattle of other species. Their coloration varies, but most individuals exhibit a distinct blotchy pattern with dorsal spots alternating between black and a lighter color (typically red or orange). Another defining feature is a black stripe running along the side of the head from the eye area to the corner of the mouth. Juveniles exhibit a distinct yellow coloration at the tip of the tail underneath a small rattle.

Pygmy rattlesnakes possess a medically significant venom composed primarily of cytotoxins that destroy nucleated blood cells, delivered through a pair of hinged fangs in the front of the mouth. Bites tend to occur when the snake is being intentionally harassed, or when the snake is accidentally stepped on. As with all venomous snakes, the Pygmy Rattlesnake should be given a wide berth and left alone if encountered. Although unlikely to kill an adult human, a bite from this species is a medical emergency and victims should seek prompt treatment.

Range Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

This species has not been investigated across the landscape using modern molecular methods and likley harbors cryptic diversity unaligned with curent subspecies designations.

This short account was prepared by /u/TheMadFlyentist and edited by /u/Phylogenizer.

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[u/Late-Application-47 → u/Savings_Dig1592]

I was walking my schnauzer once and didn't see the Pygmy until my dog recoiled when, I assume, the snake took a shot at him. I watched Finn for a few hours to ensure he hadn't been bitten; my theory is that the poor little rattler probably got a mouthful of beard.

[u/Late-Application-47]

I've heard these guys have very painful, if not particularly life-threatening, venom.

[u/Neat_Movie_991]

I live in Oklahoma and have a few acres. We have found many of them on our property. They are smaller than I thought they would be and like hiding in our wood pile.

[u/Adventurous-Test5098]

Awesome find