DOCSLIB.ORG

Snakes Factsheet

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Snakes Factsheet Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series Snakes Kristi L. Sullivan and Paul D. Curtis Cornell Cooperative Extension, Wildlife Damage Management Program Seventeen species of snakes, which occu- three—the northern copperhead, eastern tongue that helps them smell. Gaseous py a variety of different habitats, can be massasauga, and timber rattlesnake—are particles from odors are picked up by the found in New York State (Table 1). Eight venomous. The other species are non- tongue and inserted into a two-holed of these species—the water snake, brown venomous. Snakes do not actually cause organ, called the Jacobson’s Organ, at the snake, redbelly snake, eastern garter damage, but an occasional snake that roof of the mouth. snake, ribbon snake, ringneck snake, enters a home or other building may be The two halves of a snake’s jaw are smooth green snake, and milk snake— considered an unwelcome visitor. All not fused together but are loosely con- occur statewide. Of these, the garter snakes native to New York State play an nected by a ligament, allowing it to swal- snake is the most common and the important ecological role, both as preda- low food much larger than its head. species most likely to be encountered tors and as prey for other species. Snakes are poikilotherms (temperature near residences. Others, like the eastern varies with outside environment) and are worm snake or eastern massasauga, are General Biology not very active. Therefore, one meal may rare and occur in isolated patches. The last them several weeks. Because snakes eastern hognose snake and the eastern Snakes are specialized animals with elon- are poikilotherms they hibernate during worm snake are species of special con- gated bodies and no legs. They have no cold winter months during which they cern in New York State, the timber rat- ears, externally or internally, and no eye- consume no food. Some snakes, like the tlesnake is threatened, and the eastern lids, although they do have a protective milk snake, lay eggs in loose soil, hollow massasauga and the queen snake are window over the eye. A snake’s organs trees, or piles of sawdust. Others, like endangered. Of the 17 species of snakes, are elongated. They have a long, forked the garter snake, give birth to live young. Venomous Nonvenomous elliptical pupil round pupil no pit between eye and pit between eye and nostril nostril undivided scales on divided scales on underside of tail underside of tail Figure 1. Distinctions between venomous and nonvenomous snakes Snakes, Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, N.Y. ©2001 by Cornell University. Snakes are very faithful to specific den The water snake is common in aquat- nate with dark spots on the side. and nesting sites in their home range, ic and semiaquatic habitats such as Hognose snakes put on a defensive dis- which they may share with snakes of the rivers, brooks, wet meadows, ponds, and play when frightened, spreading the skin same or different species. Snakes also swamps. It prefers areas with branches around their necks like a cobra, hissing may use the same nesting sites year after or logs overhanging the water or boul- and lunging. Nevertheless, they almost year. Because they are very tied to the ders near dams and bridges. As an adult, never bite. Hognose snakes prefer to feed sites they use and may occur in large it is a stout animal typically dark brown on toads, though they will also take numbers in those places, they are very to black with lighter-colored bands and frogs, salamanders, small mammals, vulnerable to habitat destruction and splotches along its length. Although not birds, and invertebrates. persecution. venomous, the water snake is an aggres- The northern black racer is a large sive species that will not hesitate to bite. black snake with smooth scales, a white Habitat and Food Habits These snakes often will sun on boat or gray throat, and a dark belly from its docks to the consternation of many throat back. Black racers feed on a vari- Snakes live in a variety of different habi- beach-front property owners. ety of prey, including other snakes and tats. Some, like the eastern worm snake, In addition to the snake species most the young of their own species. live underground, rarely venturing onto commonly found around homes, several Though usually smaller, the black rat the surface except on warm, humid others may be encountered. The north- snake can reach a length of up to eight nights. Others, such as the green snake, ern brown, redbelly, ringneck, and green feet. Black with a white or yellow chin live in grassy openings. The water snake snakes are all small, slender species that and throat, it differs from the black racer and ribbon snake make their homes in are well described by their names. These in that its belly is a mixture of white and wetlands and near other bodies of water. species feed on insects, spiders, earth- black. Black rat snakes feed on small Most snakes, however, prefer sunny areas worms, slugs, and amphibians. mammals, birds, and bird eggs and are where rock piles, logs, and other debris The northern brown snake is brown adept climbers. provide cool, shaded hiding places. to grayish in color with a broad light The copperhead is a copper-colored, Around the home snakes are attracted to stripe bordered by dark spots down its thick-bodied venomous snake. It has stacks of firewood, old lumber piles, back. dark yellowish or light brown bands that junk piles, rock walls, old wells and The northern redbelly snake is typi- alternate with darker bands that form an foundations, flower beds with heavy cally brown, bronze, or slate gray on its hourglass pattern along the length of the mulch, gardens, shrubbery growing back, with an underside of red, orange, snake. Though often confused with other against foundations, banks of streams or occasionally yellow. nonvenomous snakes, the copperhead and ponds, unmowed lawns, abandoned The ringneck is slate gray, black, or has the distinctive characteristics of ven- lots and fields, basements, and barn lofts brown with smooth scales that give it a omous snakes including a broad, trian- (especially where rodents are abundant). satin appearance. It is distinguished by a gular shaped head and vertical pupils. The most common species that people complete yellow band around its neck. Copperheads eat small mammals such as encounter in and around the home in The ringneck feeds primarily on sala- mice and voles, small birds, amphibians, New York are the garter snake, milk manders but will also eat earthworms, insects, and other snakes. snake, and water snake. Garter snakes insects, and an occasional fish. The timber rattlesnake is a large, use a wide variety of habitats, from Beautiful and light green in color, the thick-bodied snake with a rattle at the woodlands to marshes to fields. These smooth green snake is unmistakable and tip of its tail. The rattlesnake has two dif- snakes are variable in color and pattern. striking in appearance. This small, docile ferent color phases, yellow to brown The basic color is dark brown or green species feeds on crickets, grasshoppers, (yellow phase) or gray to black (black with three yellowish stripes down the caterpillars, beetles, spiders, centipedes, phase). The rattlesnake’s primary foods sides and back. They may reach lengths and millipedes. are mammals, including mice, shrews, of two feet but are typically smaller. The eastern ribbon snake is slender chipmunks, squirrels, and rabbits. Garter snakes feed on earthworms, and striped and resembles the garter amphibians, carrion, insects, small birds, snake but has a much longer tail, Description of Damage slugs, fish, crayfish, and other snakes. accounting for one-third or more of its The milk snake is frequently encoun- total body length. It has three bold yel- Snakes are attracted to cool, damp, dark tered in barns or other areas where its low stripes that run along its reddish- areas associated with buildings, particu- food—rodents and other snakes—may brown back. The ribbon snake prefers to larly if the structure is home to rodents be present. The milk snake is boldly pat- feed on amphibians but will also eat fish or insects. Snakes may enter houses terned (brown or reddish blotches on a and insects. through torn screens, open basement light gray to tan body) above with a dis- A fascinating creature, the eastern windows, or cracks in foundation walls tinctive black and white checkered hognose snake has a thick body and an or floors. They may also be found in underside. The milk snake may vibrate upturned nose. It has a yellow, gray, barns, sheds, or other outbuildings. its tail when annoyed. brown, olive, or black background color, Snakes may bite if threatened or han- with a pattern of large rectangular spots dled. Many species will excrete a foul- down the middle of the back that alter- smelling musk if handled. Snakes, Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, N.Y. ©2001 by Cornell University. Nonvenomous snakes Black rat snake Common garter snake Eastern hognose snake Eastern milk snake Eastern ribbon snake Northern black racer Northern brown snake Northern ringneck snake Northern water snake Venomous snakes Red-bellied snake Northern copperhead Timber rattlesnake Snakes, Wildlife Damage Management Fact Sheet Series, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, N.Y. ©2001 by Cornell University. Table 1. Snakes of New York Common Name Habitat Distribution and Abundance Disposition Black rat snake Woodlands, thickets, field edges, Scattered pockets in upstate Large size makes it (Elaphe o. obsoleta) farmlands New York intimidating Common garter snake Almost all damp environments Throughout New York Most are docile (Thamnophis sirtalis) Eastern hognose snake Sandy soils, wetlands, and Coastal plains of New York Usually docile but can put (Heterodon platirhinos) occasionally on rocky slopes and Hudson River Valley on an aggressive display Eastern massasauga Marshy areas or bogs Two small, isolated Defensive (Sistrurus c.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Queen Snake, Regina Septemvittata
    Queen Snake, Regina septemvittata Status: State: Endangered Federal: Not listed Identification This slender snake can reach lengths of 16-24 in. (41-61 cm) when fully grown. The dorsal (or upper) surface of a queen snake is a solid, grayish-brown color. A yellow band is present on the lower half of the body and extends from the snake’s chin to its tail. The belly of the snake is a white to yellow color with four characteristic stripes that make for easy identification. Of these four stripes, the two outer stripes are visibly thicker than the inner pair. Queen snakes have keeled scales and an © Rudolf G. Arndt anal plate that is divided. Habitat This species is highly aquatic and a very adept swimmer. Authorities report that swiftly flowing creeks, brooks and streams are the preferred habitat for queen snakes (Wright and Wright 1957). But finding them along the edges of more slowly flowing rivers and streams, and sometimes lakes, is not uncommon in some states. The queen snake’s diet (see below) always keeps it close to water, where it can sometimes be seen with just its head above the surface of the water. On occasion, a lucky observer might find these snakes basking in high numbers along the banks of streams and even hanging from streamside vegetation (Golden, personal observation). Such aggregations are probably unlikely in New Jersey, however. The best strategy for finding this species in the state would be to look under flat rocks and other debris along the banks of the Delaware River and its tributaries.
    [Show full text]
  • COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon Piscivorus
    COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon piscivorus Agkistrodon is derived from ankistron and odon which in Greek mean “fishhook” and “tooth or teeth;” referring to the curved fangs of this species. Piscivorus is derived from piscis and voro which in Latin mean “fish” and “to eat”. Another common name for cottonmouth is water moccasin. The Cottonmouth is venomous. While its bite is rarely fatal, tissue damage is likely to occur and can be severe if not treated promptly. IDENTIFICATION Appearance: The cottonmouth is a stout- bodied venomous snake that reaches lengths of 30 to 42 inches as adults. Most adults are uniformly dark brown, olive, or black, tending to lose the cross banded patterning with age. Some individuals may have a dark cheek stripe (upper right image). The cottonmouth has the diagnostic features of the pit-viper family such as a wedge-shaped head, sensory pits between the eyes and nostrils, and vertical “cat-like” pupils. Juveniles are lighter and more boldly patterned with a yellow coloration toward the tip of the tail (lower right image). Dorsal scales are weakly keeled, and the subcaudal scales form only one row. Cottonmouths also have a single anal Mike Redmer plate. Subspecies: There are three subspecies of the cottonmouth. The Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma) is the only subspecies found in the Midwest. The term leucostoma refers to the white interior of mouth. Confusing Species: The non-venomous watersnakes (Nerodia) are commonly confused with Cottonmouths across their range, simply because they are snakes in water. Thus it is important to note that Cottonmouths are only found in southernmost Midwest.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky
    Northern Watersnake Diet . Perkins and Eason Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky Micah W. Perkins 1, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Perri K. Eason, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Abstract: Watersnakes serve a variety of important roles in aquatic ecosystems with many species being of conservation interest. The northern water- snake (Nerodia sipedon) has some populations of concern, but is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats throughout North America. Although pre- vious studies have examined the diet of this typically piscivorous species, research has not addressed whether the northern watersnake is preferentially selecting particular fish as prey. In this study, we sampled snake stomach contents and used Chesson’s alpha selection index α( i) to investigate whether northern watersnakes are eating fish families in proportion to their availability or are preferentially selecting or avoiding specific fish families. At the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky, the northern watersnake fed on fish from six families in 2013 (n = 15) and 2014 (n = 36). Five of those fish families were eaten in proportion to their availability but avoided pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), the lone member of the family Aphredoderidae. This is the first study testing prey preferences in the northern watersnake. Key words: northern watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, diet selection, fish family, pirate perch Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5:144–149 Many watersnakes are of conservation concern and can poten- igan shifted from a heavily amphibian-based diet to feeding only on tially be used as indicators to understand harmful human impacts fishes (Meyer 1992, Carbone 1993).
    [Show full text]
  • Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania the First Question Most People Ask When They See a Snake Is “Is That Snake Poisonous?” Technically, No Snake Is Poisonous
    Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania The first question most people ask when they see a snake is “Is that snake poisonous?” Technically, no snake is poisonous. A plant or animal that is poisonous is toxic when eaten or absorbed through the skin. A snake’s venom is injected, so snakes are classified as venomous or nonvenomous. In Pennsylvania, we have only three species of venomous snakes. They all belong to the pit viper Nostril family. A snake that is a pit viper has a deep pit on each side of its head that it uses to detect the warmth of nearby prey. This helps the snake locate food, especially when hunting in the darkness of night. These Pit pits can be seen between the eyes and nostrils. In Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Snakes all of our venomous Checklist snakes have slit-like A complete list of Pennsylvania’s pupils that are 21 species of snakes. similar to a cat’s eye. Venomous Nonvenomous Copperhead (venomous) Nonvenomous snakes Eastern Garter Snake have round pupils, like a human eye. Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Massasauga (venomous) Venomous If you find a shedded snake Eastern Milk Snake skin, look at the scales on the Eastern Rat Snake underside. If they are in a single Eastern Ribbon Snake Eastern Smooth Earth Snake row all the way to the tip of its Eastern Worm Snake tail, it came from a venomous snake. Kirtland’s Snake If the scales split into a double row Mountain Earth Snake at the tail, the shedded skin is from a Northern Black Racer Nonvenomous nonvenomous snake.
    [Show full text]
  • Cottonmouth Snake Bites Reported to the Toxic North American Snakebite Registry 2013–2017
    Clinical Toxicology ISSN: 1556-3650 (Print) 1556-9519 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/ictx20 Cottonmouth snake bites reported to the ToxIC North American snakebite registry 2013–2017 K. Domanski, K. C. Kleinschmidt, S. Greene, A. M. Ruha, V. Berbata, N. Onisko, S. Campleman, J. Brent, P. Wax & on behalf of the ToxIC North American Snakebite Registry Group To cite this article: K. Domanski, K. C. Kleinschmidt, S. Greene, A. M. Ruha, V. Berbata, N. Onisko, S. Campleman, J. Brent, P. Wax & on behalf of the ToxIC North American Snakebite Registry Group (2019): Cottonmouth snake bites reported to the ToxIC North American snakebite registry 2013–2017, Clinical Toxicology, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2019.1627367 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1627367 Published online: 13 Jun 2019. Submit your article to this journal Article views: 38 View Crossmark data Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=ictx20 CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2019.1627367 CLINICAL RESEARCH Cottonmouth snake bites reported to the ToxIC North American snakebite registry 2013–2017 K. Domanskia, K. C. Kleinschmidtb, S. Greenec , A. M. Ruhad, V. Berbatae, N. Oniskob, S. Camplemanf, J. Brente, P. Waxb and on behalf of the ToxIC North American Snakebite Registry Group aReno School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA; bSouthwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA; cBaylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; dBanner Good Samaritan Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA; eEmergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA; fAmerican College of Medical Toxicology, Phoenix, AZ, USA ABSTRACT ARTICLE HISTORY Introduction: The majority of venomous snake exposures in the United States are due to snakes from Received 9 April 2019 the subfamily Crotalinae (pit vipers).
    [Show full text]
  • Veterans Park Herpetological Report Manning 2015
    To Whom It May Concern, The information in this document is the summary of a series of volunteer reptile and amphibian observations conducted in Hamilton Veteran’s Park in Mercer County, NJ. The document has been prepared for the Township of Hamilton. The results presented are from field observations and data collected in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015. The data from the first three years was taken informally during morning and evening walks with family. The data from 2015 was taken for a volunteer reptile and amphibian survey performed upon the request of the Township of Hamilton, Mercer County, NJ. This information is presented voluntarily for use in conservation endeavors. General Profile: Hamilton Veteran’s Park is a 350‐acre park managed by the Township of Hamilton in Mercer County, New Jersey. The park features a diversity of habitats within its boundaries, including a field which was the site of a former farm, a wetlands meadow, a smaller upland meadow, several patches of deciduous forest, a man‐made lake, temporary and permanent wetlands, an intermittent stream, and several permanent streams. The park is located on the physiographic province known as the inner coastal plain. Comments on General Fauna: The Veteran’s Park property provides a variety of habitats for native fauna to flourish. Healthy numbers of invertebrates have been observed during the survey. Checking under logs and other cover debris reveals a multitude of native decomposers, such as ants, earthworms, slugs, centipedes, harvestmen, and others. Ticks are occasionally seen in the fields, however most of those observed were dog ticks.
    [Show full text]
  • Thamnophis Sauritus (Eastern Ribbon Snake)
    Maine 2015 Wildlife Action Plan Revision Report Date: January 13, 2016 Thamnophis sauritus (Eastern Ribbon Snake) Priority 2 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) Class: Reptilia (Reptiles) Order: Squamata (Lizards And Snakes) Family: Colubridae (Colubrids) General comments: Small wetland specialist; existing habitat regulations inadequate but new SVP protection a plus; both sub species listed together Species Conservation Range Maps for Eastern Ribbon Snake: Town Map: Thamnophis sauritus_Towns.pdf Subwatershed Map: Thamnophis sauritus_HUC12.pdf SGCN Priority Ranking - Designation Criteria: Risk of Extirpation: NA State Special Concern or NMFS Species of Concern: Thamnophis sauritus is listed as a species of Special Concern in Maine. Recent Significant Declines: NA Regional Endemic: NA High Regional Conservation Priority: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): Status: T, Last Examination: 11/1/2012, Change: No Change, Canada Occurence: NS Northeast Endangered Species and Wildlife Diversity Technical Committee: Risk: No, Data: Yes, Area: Yes, Spec: No, Warrant Listing: No, Total Categories with "Yes": 2 Northeast Partners In Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC): Regional Responsibility:< 50 % US Distribution, Concern: >= 75% of States Listed in WAP High Climate Change Vulnerability: NA Understudied rare taxa: NA Historical: NA Culturally Significant: NA Habitats Assigned to Eastern Ribbon Snake: Formation Name Agricultural Macrogroup Name Agricultural Habitat System Name: Pasture-Hay Notes: secondary
    [Show full text]
  • Cfreptiles & Amphibians
    WWW.IRCF.ORG/REPTILESANDAMPHIBIANSJOURNALTABLE OF CONTENTS IRCF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANSIRCF REPTILES • VOL 15,& NAMPHIBIANSO 4 • DEC 2008 •189 26(3):241–242 • JAN 2020 IRCF REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS CONSERVATION AND NATURAL HISTORY TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURE ARTICLES First. Chasing BullsnakesRecord (Pituophis catenifer sayiof) in Wisconsin: Body-bending Behavior On the Road to Understanding the Ecology and Conservation of the Midwest’s Giant Serpent ...................... Joshua M. Kapfer 190 from Asia. The Shared Historyin of Treeboasthe (Corallus Arrow-Headed grenadensis) and Humans on Grenada: Trinket Snake, A Hypothetical Excursion ............................................................................................................................Robert W. Henderson 198 RESEARCHCoelognathus ARTICLES helena nigriangularis . The Texas Horned Lizard in Central and Western Texas ....................... Emily Henry, Jason Brewer, Krista Mougey, and Gad Perry 204 . The Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) in Florida .............................................(Squamata:Brian J. Camposano, Kenneth L. Krysko, Colubridae) Kevin M. Enge, Ellen M. Donlan, and Michael Granatosky 212 CONSERVATION ALERTDinesh Khate1 and Rahul V. Deshmukh2 . World’s Mammals in Crisis ............................................................................................................................................................. 220 1 . MoreWildLife Than Mammals Conservation ..............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution of the Queen Snake (Regina Septemvittata) in Arkansas Johnathan W
    Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science Volume 61 Article 17 2007 Distribution of the Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) in Arkansas Johnathan W. Stanley Arkansas State University, [email protected] Stanley E. Trauth Arkansas State University Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas Part of the Zoology Commons Recommended Citation Stanley, Johnathan W. and Trauth, Stanley E. (2007) "Distribution of the Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) in Arkansas," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 61 , Article 17. Available at: http://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol61/iss1/17 This article is available for use under the Creative Commons license: Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-ND 4.0). Users are able to read, download, copy, print, distribute, search, link to the full texts of these articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science, Vol. 61 [2007], Art. 17 -I Distribution of the Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) in Arkansas llinOiS./ JONATHAN W. STANLEyl,2 AND STANLEY E. TRAUTH1 ~orgia. lDepartment ofBiological Sciences, Arkansas State University, PO Box 599, State University, AR 72467-0599 rabbi! NOods /. torrespondence: [email protected] I [MS , i ~rslty. I Abstract.-We documented the distribution ofthe queen snake, Regina septemvittata, in northern Arkansas during the 2005 and 2006 activity seasons.
    [Show full text]
  • Spilotes Pullatus (Tiger Rat Snake Or Clibo)
    UWI The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago Diversity Spilotes pullatus (Tiger Rat Snake or Clibo) Family: Colubridae (Typical Snakes) Order: Squamata (Lizards and Snakes) Class: Reptilia (Reptiles) Fig. 1. Tiger rat snake, Spilotes pullatus. [http://www.theonlinezoo.com/pages/tropical_rat_snake.html, downloaded 18 October 2016] TRAITS. Amongst the largest snakes of the Americas, with a maximum length of 4.2m (Primareptilia, 2016). The usual maximum length is 3m in males and 2.5m in females. They are long and slender with a head that is distinct from the (Trinidad-Tobagoherps, 2016). The coloration of their scales is dependent upon where they are found. However, throughout their wide range the main colour for this species is black with yellowish markings as bands (Fig. 1), diagonals or even netlike patterns (Captivebredreptileforums, 2012). Spilotes pullatus is a non-venomous snake. DISTRIBUTION. Spilotes pullatus can be found from southern Mexico and other countries south to Paraguay, including Trinidad and Tobago (Fig. 2). HABITAT AND ECOLOGY. Can be found in abundance in habitats close to water, mainly forested areas (Littlescorpion, 2016). They are diurnal semi-arboreal snakes, using both trees and UWI The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago Diversity the ground, and can be found basking during the day on branches (Trinidad-Tobagoherps, 2016). They feed on a variety of rodents, bats, eggs and small birds, occasionally on amphibians and reptiles. Unlike other species of non-venomous snakes, their prey are not killed by being coiled around but by biting or holding and pressing against a solid surface or object.
    [Show full text]
  • Venomous Snakes of Texas.Pub
    Price, Andrew. 1998. Poisonous Snakes of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Distributed by University of Texas Press, Austin, Texas. Tenant, Alan. 1998. A Field Guide to Texas Snakes. Gulf Publishing Com- pany, Houston, Texas. Texas Coral Snake, Micrurus fulvius Werler, John E. & James R. Dixon. tenere. This species averages 20 2000. Texas Snakes: Identification, inches (record 47 inches). Slender, Distribution, and Natural History. Uni- brightly colored snake with red, black versity of Texas Press, Austin, Texas. and yellow bands that completely en- circle the body. Red and yellow color touch. Venomous Snakes of East Texas Additional, more in depth information Written by: Gordon B. Henley, Jr. Zoo on snakes of Texas, in particular the Director venomous species, can be found in Photos by: Celia K. Falzone, General the following publications: Curator Editorial Assistance provided by: Conant, Roger & Joseph T. Collins. J. Colin Crawford, Education Assistant 1998. A Field Guide to Reptile and Amphibians: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin Provided as a Public Service Company, Boston, Massachusetts. by Dixon, James R. 1987. Amphibians and Reptiles of Texas. Texas A&M University Press, College Station, Texas. (2nd Edition 2000). Venomous Snakes of East Texas with Emphasis on Angelina County Texas provides habitat for approximately 115 species of snakes with nearly 44 spe- cies found in the piney woods region of East Texas. Fifteen species of venomous snakes are found throughout the state while only 5 venomous species are found Southern Copperhead, Agkistrodon in the East Texas pine forests: two spe- contortrix contortrix. This species aver- cies of rattlesnakes; a copperhead; the ages 24 inches (record 52 inches).
    [Show full text]
  • The Herpetology of Erie County, Pennsylvania: a Bibliography
    The Herpetology of Erie County, Pennsylvania: A Bibliography Revised 2 nd Edition Brian S. Gray and Mark Lethaby Special Publication of the Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Number 1 2 Special Publication of the Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center The Herpetology of Erie County, Pennsylvania: A Bibliography Revised 2 nd Edition Compiled by Brian S. Gray [email protected] and Mark Lethaby Natural History Museum at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr., Suite 3, Erie, PA 16505 [email protected] Number 1 Erie, Pennsylvania 2017 Cover image: Smooth Greensnake, Opheodrys vernalis from Erie County, Pennsylvania. 3 Introduction Since the first edition of The herpetology of Erie County, Pennsylvania: a bibliography (Gray and Lethaby 2012), numerous articles and books have been published that are pertinent to the literature of the region’s amphibians and reptiles. The purpose of this revision is to provide a comprehensive and updated list of publications for use by researchers interested in Erie County’s herpetofauna. We have made every effort to include all major works on the herpetology of Erie County. Included are the works of Atkinson (1901) and Surface (1906; 1908; 1913) which are among the earliest to note amphibians and or reptiles specifically from sites in Erie County, Pennsylvania. The earliest publication to utilize an Erie County specimen, however, may have been that of LeSueur (1817) in his description of Graptemys geographica (Lindeman 2009). While the bibliography is quite extensive, we did not attempt to list everything, such as articles in local newspapers, and unpublished reports, although some of the more significant of these are included.
    [Show full text]