Gray ratsnake
Gray ratsnake | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Pantherophis |
Species: | P. spiloides
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Binomial name | |
Pantherophis spiloides | |
Synonyms[3] | |
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The gray ratsnake or gray rat snake (Pantherophis spiloides), also commonly known as the black ratsnake, central ratsnake, chicken snake, midland ratsnake, or pilot black snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the
Description
A medium to large serpent, the gray ratsnake typically reaches an adult size of 99–183 cm (3.25–6.00 ft) total length (including tail); however, the record is 247 cm (8.10 ft) for a captive specimen at the Ridley 4-H Center in Tennessee.[
Distribution and habitat
Native to North America, Pantherophis spiloides is commonly found in the forests of the eastern and central United States. It occurs relatively continuously throughout the major part of the eastern half of the United States, along the western edge of the Appalachian Mountains, from southwestern New England to the Gulf of Mexico, westward to the Mississippi River, and northward from northern Louisiana to southwestern Wisconsin.
In
Habitat
An agile climber,[7] the gray ratsnake is at home from the ground to the tree tops in many types of hardwood forest and cypress stands, along tree-lined streams and fields, and even around barns and sheds in close proximity to people. Within its range, almost any environment rich in rodents, and vertical escape options, proves a suitable habitat for the gray ratsnake.
Diet and behavior
Diet
A scent-hunter and a powerful constrictor, P. spiloides feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, and bird eggs.[7] Neonates and juveniles prefer a diet of frogs and lizards.
Behavior
When startled, the gray ratsnake, like other ratsnakes, stops and remains motionless with its body held in a series of wave-like kinks. The snake will also rattle its tail against whatever it is lying on, making an audible buzzing sound; this is intended to fool a potential threat into thinking that they've encountered a rattlesnake. The gray ratsnake will defend itself by raising its head and bluffing a strike. If handled, it will musk a victim by releasing the foul-smelling contents of its cloaca, and will bite if necessary. However, the gray ratsnake is less likely to bite than other members of its genus,[citation needed] and wounds from a bite rarely require more than a small bandage.
Reproduction
Breeding in P. spiloides takes place from April to July. Females reach sexual maturity at 7–9 years of age.[7] They deposit 5 to 27 eggs around mid-summer, and the 25–30 cm (9.8–11.8 in) hatchlings usually emerge in September.
Conservation status
The gray ratsnake is considered common across much of its range, but is listed as "of special concern" in Michigan[8] and is also listed as rare in Wisconsin.[9] The gray ratsnake is listed federally in Canada as "endangered" (Carolinean population) and "threatened" (Great Lakes – St. Lawrence population).[10][7] In the state of Georgia, all indigenous, nonvenomous snakes are illegal to kill or capture, and are considered to be in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.[11]
Habitat destruction and road mortality are leading causes of decline.[7]
References
- . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Duméril A-M-C, Bibron G, Duméril A[-H-A] (1854). Erpétologie générale ou histoire naturelle complète des reptiles. Tome septième. Première partie. Comprenant l'histoire des serpents non venimeux. Paris: Roret. xvi + 780 pp. (Elaphis spiloides, new species, pp. 269–270). (in French).
- ^ Species Pantherophis spiloides at The Reptile Database www.reptil-database.org.
- ^ Pantherophis Fitzinger, 1843—North American Ratsnakes". in Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico, With Comments Regarding Confidence In Our Understanding. Edition 6.1 Last updated: 24 May 2011.
- ^ Species at Risk Public Registry – Species Profile (Gray Ratsnake). Sararegistry.gc.ca. Retrieved on 2013-08-24.
- ^ Gray Ratsnake, Ontario Nature
- ^ a b c d e f Ontario Wildlife Series video
- ^ Gray ratsnake, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- ^ Gray ratsnake, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
- ^ Canada Species At Risk Act
- ^ Georgia Wildlife.org Keeping Georgia Wildlife as Pets. georgiawildlife.org
Further reading
- ISBN 978-0-544-12997-9. (Pantherophis spiloides, pp. 389–390 + Figure 161 on p. 334 + Plate 36 on p. 335 + Map on p. 385 + Figure 180 on p. 386).