Along each side of the body you can find dark spots similar but smaller in size than the dorsal spots. Young Sistrurus miliarius are characterized by a sulfur yellow tip on the tail, as well as a smaller size. Like most pit vipers Sistrurus miliarius prefers to sit and wait for its prey. When the prey comes in close range it will ambush it. Reproduction Male-male interactions include pinning of the other's head and anterior trunk to the ground.
Larger males are more likely to mate with females than smaller males.
Once a dominant male is established, the courtship between the dominant male and the female begins. Mating most often occurs between September and January. Copulation can take several hours to complete. Once complete the female stores sperm from her mate or mates until approximately the following April. Once the development of embryos begins the female will commonly bask in the sun in order to speed up their development.