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Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides)

Description Habitats Habits and Life History Prey and Hunting Techniques

Temperament and Defense Conservation State Distribution and Abundance Gallery

Contributors Bibliography Discussion

Description

This large, muscular, constricting snake is generally grayish in coloration with brown to dark gray blotches. The chin and throat is white or cream colored. The ventral coloration varies greatly from white to salmon to dark gray; a checkerboard pattern is typically present.

This species was long considered the same species as the Texas "Black" Ratsnake, Yellow Ratsnake, and Everglades Ratsnake. Recent analysis has suggested the redefinition of this complex into three distinct lineages: Eastern Ratsnake (found east of the Apalachicola River and Appalachian Mountains), Gray Ratsnake (found between the Apalachicola River and the Mississippi River), and Texas Ratsnake (found west of the Mississippi River).

This species is known by several common names, including Midland Ratsnake, Oak Snake", Chicken Snake, Mountain Black Snake, or Pilot Snake''.

Habitats

Although found in a variety of habitats, ranging from woodland to open field, farmland can provide ideal habitat for this species.

Habits and Life History

In its range, this relatively common species may be observed as it basks in open areas (even on highways!) or actively forages.

This species breeds in the spring. Females lay their eggs in early summer. Hatching occurs in late summer.

Prey and Hunting Techniques

As the name implies, this species preys upon rats and other rodents, as well as small birds (and their eggs) and other warm-blooded prey of suitable size. It is a powerful constrictor.

Temperament and Defense

The temperament of this species varies, but newly captured individuals are likely to bite and poop/musk in defense.

Conservation

As this species is not confirmed to occur in the state, no special status is attributed.

State Distribution and Abundance

This species occurs west of the Mississippi River. Some amount of hybridization is thought to occur with the Texas Ratsnake, but current analysis suggests the Mississippi River restricts gene flow sufficiently to warrant delineation on the species level. No Arkansas voucher specimens are confirmed for this species; its abundance is presumed to be zero.

Gallery

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Contributors

• kaptainkory December 16, 2006, at 09:25 AM (Original Contributor)

Bibliography

• Behler, J. L., and F. W. King. 1979 (1987). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. 3rd ed. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. 743 pp.
• Burbrink, F. T., R. Lawson, and J. B. Slowinski. 2000. MtDNA phylogeography of the North American rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta): a critique of the subspecies concept. Evolution 54:2107-2118.
• Conant, R., and J. T. Collins. 1998. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. 3rd ed., Expanded. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston. 616 pp.
• Irwin, K. J. 2004. Arkansas Snake Guide. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Pocket Guide. 50 pp.
• Trauth, S. E., H. W. Robison, and M. V. Plummer. 2004. Amphibians and Reptiles of Arkansas. University of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville. 421 pp.

Discussion