WESTERN PIGMY RATTLESNAKE
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri
Description—The body color of this snake is from gray to grayish-brown. Its back is marked with about 35 small, dark spots which are wider than long. Another row of smaller spots is located along each side toward the belly.
Size—Specimens average 18 inches long and large examples may reach a length of more than two feet.
Young—The normal brood contains from eight to 10 but some may have as many as 18. Average length of the newborn is five or six inches.
Distribution—All county records of this snake, except one from Mitchell County, are in the eastern part of the state. The Mitchell County record may be an error. Records include the following counties: Anderson, Angelina, Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Cooke, Dallas, Galveston, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Matagorda, McLennan, Mitchell, Montgomery, Newton, Orange, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, San Jacinto, Smith, Somervell, Victoria, Walker, Wharton, and Wise.
The western pigmy rattlesnake prefers to live in dry areas; reports of professional collectors indicate that it is found in greatest number after heavy rains and at night. While more aggressive than its close relative, the massasauga, its small size makes it one of our least dangerous poisonous snakes. Its rattle is small, often difficult to see, and cannot be heard at distances greater than a few feet.
WESTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE
Crotalus atrox
