Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

The dorsal color of this small (2 to 2 ½’) rattlesnake varies from gray to brown to black. Those with the lighter dorsal color have prominent, rounded, darker, light edged, dorsal blotches and 1 row of alternating lateral spots. The dark belly has irregular spots of white or off-white. There are 9 large plates on the top of the head. Scales keeled in 25 rows. The rattle is fairly large and quite audible. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Ovoviviparous. Neonates like adults in appearance but may have a yellowish or greenish tailtip.

Unique Features:

2 rows of alternating lateral spots. Belly black with light spots. There are 9 large plates on the top of the head.

Habitat and Diet:

Environment of bogs, swamps, marshes, prairies, and wet grasslands.Prey items are small rodents, ground dwelling birds, amphibians, and lizards.

Geographic Range:

NY, IL, IN, MN, MI, ID, MO, IA, OH, WI, PA