Information on snake size and longevity often relies on captive individuals, potentially skewing perceptions of these metrics compared to wild counterparts. In this note, we address this disparity by presenting field data on Sistrurus miliarius (Pygmy Rattlesnake) from long-term studies in Central Florida and more recent statewide surveys. The largest individual we found had a snout–vent length of 65.7 cm, total length of 74.9 cm, and mass of 174 g, which is far smaller than captive snakes. Longevity assessments based on recapture intervals indicate maximum ages are significantly lower than those observed in captivity. These findings underscore the importance of using field-derived data to accurately portray the size and lifespan of wild snakes, distinct from captive environments where growth and survival conditions differ markedly.
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10 December 2024
Maximum Size and Longevity in Pygmy Rattlesnakes (Sistrurus miliarius): The Importance of Field Data
Jenna N. Palmisano,
Jasmine H. Kesselring,
Tara Morgan,
Peter G. May,
Terence M. Farrell
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Southeastern Naturalist
Vol. 23 • No. 4
December 2024
Vol. 23 • No. 4
December 2024