Western Pigmy Rattlesnake
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.