Adaptation

The Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnakes are short and relatively thick-bodied snakes. They have

dark lines on each side of their head, along with circular spots running down their spine.

Along with this adaptive camouflage to blend into various surroundings; the Pygmy Rattlesnake

has developed a hinged jaw that can purposely dislocate and allow them to swallow larger prey

without chewing. Another notable feature on this snake is the venomous fangs that it carries.

They carry just enough venom to kill small prey and allow for a more peaceful meal.

Not only do these reptiles have these unique features, but they also have a different way of

smelling. Their tongue allows them to taste

some of their surroundings; they have a special

organ on the top of their mouth called

"Jacobson's Organ" that allows them to flick

chemicals that they pick up with their tongue.

This gives them a combined sense of taste and

smell to track down or sense their prey

coming.

Another distinctive feature of the Sistrurus miliarius is their ability to swim. Although most

rattlesnakes are stereotyped to be desert snakes, the Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake seldom

lives far away from water. The Sistrurus miliarius is more commonly referred to as the

"Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake". It is called this because of its very obvious rattle at the end

of its tail. The Southeastern Pygmy Rattlesnake actually uses their tail or rattle as a luring

mechanism in its younger years. It tends to attracts small animals that would be likely to feed on

insects because when shook the rattle makes a buzzing sound that sounds very similar to an

insect (only heard from a few feet away). Once lured in the Sistrurus miliarius uses its

camouflage, predation skills, developed jaw, and venomous fangs to capture its prey and render

it useless.