![]() Pigmy rattlesnakes, as their name would imply, are miniature rattlesnakes. The venom of the eastern diamondback rattlesnake attacks blood, tissue, and the nervous system. In a successful hunting event, the venom is pumped through the fangs into the prey to kill and digest the animal. The act of striking can extend up to two-thirds the length of the snake. A defensive posture is a coiled position with rattle erect, buzzing, and head near center of the coil. When encountered, the diamondback will often remain motionless until a threat is perceived or the snake is actually touched. The upper jaw contains movable recurved fangs. The large and distinctive head is marked with a dark band extending obliquely from each eye to the lips. The belly is generally yellowish to white. The topside of the snake contains the characteristic yellow diamond shapes surrounding black and brown centers. The rattle is composed of hollow, interlocking segments that click against each other when the tail vibrates. The tail is short and stout with a rattle or button at the end. It is a heavy-bodied snake that can reach lengths close to seven feet, although the average adult is four to five feet. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest species of rattlesnake in the world.
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