The Rattlesnakes 



reddish, broken line, is more prominent on the forward portion 

 of the body. On the sides are several series of black spots, 

 smaller and less distinct than those on the back. The tail is 

 usually reddish. 



Beneath, this species is white, thickly marbled with black 

 spots and blotches. 



The large head shields at once distinguish this small Rattle- 

 snake from the young of other species that inhabit the south- 

 eastern United States. 



Dimensions. — The Southern Pigmy Rattlesnake, or Florida 

 Ground Rattlesnake as it is often called, is the smallest species 

 of rattler inhabiting the United States. Measurements are given 

 of an adult specimen, captured in Marion County, Florida: 



Total Length •. 17 inches. 



LengthofTaiil, exclusive of the rattle 2 



Greatest Diameter of Body f " 



Width of Head -j^ " 



Length of Head |f " 



Length of Rattle, 6 segments | " 



The length of the tail should be noted. It is proportionately 

 very long for a Rattlesnake. The rattle of this species seldom 

 exceeds six segments. 



Distribution. — Central North Carolina southward throughout 

 Florida, thence along the coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico to 

 Texas. The range extends inland up the Mississippi River 

 valley and the valley of the larger. Southern tributaries. Dr. 

 Stejneger explains: "Curiously enough, it seems to be more 

 common on the western side of the great river, being apparently 

 common in Arkansas and Indian Territory even as far west as 

 central Oklahoma, whence the National Museum has a young 

 specimen collected by Dr. Edward Palmer at Old Fort Cobb." 



The species is most abundant in Florida. 



Habits. — Owing to its diminutive size, this species is the 

 least formidable of the North American Crotaline Snakes. By 

 many, however, it has been argued that the Coral Snake, {Elaps 

 julvius), should be placed last on the list as regards the virulency 

 of the bites of venomous serpents inhabiting the United States. 

 The writer cannot agree with this contention. Although the 

 fangs of the Coral Snake may be smaller than the weapons of 

 the Pigmy Rattlesnake, the former serpent is provided with a 



434 



