Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake? - experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by GREGLONGHURST on February 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
I agree that the smaller Crotalus are way cool. If you are going to stick with wild caught sizes, I'll put in some of my observations. Here in south Florida, S. m. barbouri generally averages about 12", unless they are in an area where rodents are available (farming areas). In those areas, they can grow to twice that & more. I had one that I fed stillborn rabbits. In most of south Florida, they prey upon Anolis & Hyla. I guess my point is that diet can definitely influence size. That being true, your idea of sticking with wild caught individuals to garner your data seems like a good one. ~~Greg~~

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by Buzztail1 on February 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
This is reminiscent of the race to find the smallest elephant (circa about 1900) for the circus. As has been said, there probably isn't a definitive correct answer. There are just some awesome little rattlesnakes that don't generally exceed two feet in length. I wish I could keep more of them. Karl

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by Cro on February 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Instead of voting for the "smallest" rattlesnake, perhaps we should be voting for the "coolest!" To paraphrase what Rob said, what is better or more impressive than a willardi ????? Best Regards JohnZ

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by Rob_Carmichael on February 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
I guess going back to my original post, I am updating our "Rattlesnake Trivia" quiz on my website (www.thegrassisrattling.com) and wanted to add this as one of the questions. Kids generally know what a diamondback rattlesnake is (whether EDB or WDB) but few people realize that there are rattlesnakes that reach no more than 12-20" in length. As long as I am in the ballpark, I'm a happy camper. With the desert 'sauga and the carolina pigmy, I think it's a pretty safe pick either way. Soon, I will be acquiring another stunning pair of willardi to add to my pair; it's going to be one heck of a nice little colony of willardi.....perhaps my favorite all time rattler (next to eastern massasaugas). Thanks gang, Rob

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by hot-kid on February 15, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Here's a fun follow up... What's the smallest viper? I'll cheat and guess Bitis schneideri. Matt

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by hoyta on February 16, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Great post! this has been very informative... My vote is the carolina pygmy. Honestly, iits the only one of the two that I have expereience with:)

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by MattHarris on February 16, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
I would email any biologists you know who have/are doing field studies and ask them to give averages of their data. Odd that you mention it, a friend of mine is working on a website called "Herpsize.com" to do just what you're asking.....publish verifiable data on reptile sizes. This data, is coming from documented, verifiable sources, be it field herpers, biologists, etc. It supposedly will categorize it by Wild and Captive, to differentiate between the two as well. He's gotten one heck of a response as well, from researchers, who've provided him with a good bit of data. MH

RE: Smallest U.S. Rattlesnake?	Reply
by Cro on February 16, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Matt, it sounds like your friends website will be an excellent resource. It will be especially usefull if he lists and records differences between wild caught and captive animals. Let us know when he has it online. Best Regards JohnZ

Previous Page 2 of 2

Next Topic: Info, please!!
Previous Topic: Sistrurus c. catenatus

Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.

Check our help page for help using , or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the Manager.