Pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) (origin: The south-eastern USA). Adult size around 40–60 cm. Life expectancy 12–18 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Pygmy rattlesnake: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm.
Pygmy rattlesnake: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 33–35 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Pygmy rattlesnake: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Pygmy rattlesnake: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–18 years.
Pygmy rattlesnake: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 33–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm
- Substrate
- Soil with leaf litter, hides near the ground
Feeding
- Food
- Small frozen-thawed mice; lizard substitutes for juveniles if needed
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 40–60 cm
- Life expectancy
- 12–18 years
- Origin
- The south-eastern USA
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a dangerous animal under German state law
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 8–12 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
The smallest rattlesnake relative; the rattle is barely audible. Despite the small size, medically significant.
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What you need to start
To keep Pygmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm), substrate (Soil with leaf litter, hides near the ground), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwergklapperschlange, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistrurus_miliarius
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).