Sistrurus

The genus Sistrurus encompasses small North American rattlesnakes belonging to the family Viperidae. These snakes, commonly known as massasaugas or pygmy rattlesnakes, are typically found in prairies, swamps, and woodlands across regions like the Great Lakes and Arizona.1

Sistrurus species generally measure between 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 inches) in length. Their coloration varies, with some being entirely black, while others are gray or tan, featuring rows of black or brown spots along their backs and sides. These venomous snakes are usually secretive and unaggressive, and their bites, though painful, are rarely fatal. Their diet primarily consists of frogs, lizards, and rodents, and they are live-bearers. The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) and the pygmy rattlesnake (S. miliarius) are two notable species within this genus.12