Photo credit:

Alec Jarboe

Common name

Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake

Scientific name

Sistrurus miliarius barbouri

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Federal and State Protections

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Countries of Occurrence

United States of America

States or Providence 

Florida, Georgia, Alabama, southeastern Mississippi and southeastern South Carolina

Counties

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Adult size

Usually 18in (46cm), record length 31in (79cm)

Species Description

This small subspecies of rattlesnake is common in the southeastern US. In some localities of Florida and southern Georgia they are common, often drifting into urban areas (especially new development). It is noticeable due to its darker coloration and additional row of spots on the side. Dusky Pygmies prefer low-lying areas such as wetland edges and pine flatwoods, but may be found in sandhill habitats.
They are a generalist predator, taking prey such as lizards, amphibians, rodents and even invertebrates (centipedes).

Eptifibatide, a medicine used to help prevent blood clots & heart attacks is produced using unique venom components from the Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake.

Carolina Pygmy rattlesnakes and Dusky Pygmy rattlesnakes are known to interbreed in regions of central Georgia and southern South Carolina.