Eastern Foxsnake Pantherophis Vulpinus Kingdom: Animalia FEATURES Phylum: Chordata the Eastern Foxsnake Averages 36 to 54 Inches in Class: Reptilia Length

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

eastern foxsnake Pantherophis vulpinus Kingdom: Animalia FEATURES Phylum: Chordata The eastern foxsnake averages 36 to 54 inches in Class: Reptilia length. Its body is yellow to light brown and covered Order: Squamata on the back with a series of dark brown or black blotches. The head is wider than the neck and is Family: Colubridae usually brown to red with no blotches. The belly is ILLINOIS STATUS yellow with black checks. Scales with weak keels (ridges) are present along the middle of the back but common, native are smooth elsewhere. © Ken Mierzwa BEHAVIORS The eastern foxsnake may be found in the northern one-half of Illinois. This terrestrial snake lives in farmlands, prairies, pastures and woods. It is active during the day. It may find shelter under logs, boards or in other animals’ burrows. Its prey is killed by constriction. When disturbed, it may vibrate the tip of its tail and strike. Mating occurs in June or early July. Courtship begins when the male chases the female, sometimes for as much as 40 minutes. The adult female’s eight to 27 eggs are deposited in soil, rotten logs, leaf litter or sawdust about 30 days after mating. Eggs stick together as they are laid. Hatching occurs in late August and September. This snake eats small mammals and birds. ILLINOIS RANGE © Ken Mierzwa adult © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. © Scott Ballard Aquatic Habitats wet prairies and fens Woodland Habitats coniferous forests; upland deciduous forests Prairie and Edge Habitats black soil prairie; dolomite prairie; edge; gravel prairie; hill prairie; sand prairie; shrub prairie © Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 2021. Biodiversity of Illinois. Unless otherwise noted, photos and images © Illinois Department of Natural Resources..

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Resource Selection by an Ectothermic Predator in a Dynamic Thermal Landscape
Received: 2 May 2017 | Revised: 16 August 2017 | Accepted: 17 August 2017 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3440 ORIGINAL RESEARCH Resource selection by an ectothermic predator in a dynamic thermal landscape Andrew D. George1 | Grant M. Connette2 | Frank R. Thompson III3 | John Faaborg1 1Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA Abstract 2Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Predicting the effects of global climate change on species interactions has remained Front Royal, VA, USA difficult because there is a spatiotemporal mismatch between regional climate models 3U.S.D.A. Forest Service Northern Research and microclimates experienced by organisms. We evaluated resource selection in a Station, Columbia, MO, USA predominant ectothermic predator using a modeling approach that permitted us to Correspondence assess the importance of habitat structure and local real- time air temperatures within Andrew D. George, Department of Biology, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS USA. the same modeling framework. We radio- tracked 53 western ratsnakes (Pantherophis Email: [email protected] obsoletus) from 2010 to 2013 in central Missouri, USA, at study sites where this spe- cies has previously been linked to prey population demographics. We used Bayesian discrete choice models within an information theoretic framework to evaluate the sea- sonal effects of fine- scale vegetation structure and thermal conditions on ratsnake resource selection. Ratsnake resource selection was influenced most by canopy cover, canopy cover heterogeneity, understory cover, and air temperature heterogeneity. Ratsnakes generally preferred habitats with greater canopy heterogeneity early in the active season, and greater temperature heterogeneity later in the season. This sea- sonal shift potentially reflects differences in resource requirements and thermoregula- tion behavior.
[Show full text]
New Records of Pantherophis Guttatus (Squamata: Colubridae) in the State of Bahia, an Alien Species to Brazil
SALAMANDRA 50(4) 241–244 30 December 2014CorrespondenceISSN 0036–3375 Correspondence New records of Pantherophis guttatus (Squamata: Colubridae) in the state of Bahia, an alien species to Brazil Érica Fonseca1,2, Ricardo Marques1,2 & Moacir Santos Tinôco1,3 1) Universidade Católica do Salvador, SPPG-MPPA – Centro de Ecologia e Conservação Animal – ECOA. Avenida Prof. Pinto de Aguiar, 2589. CEP 41740-090. Pituaçu, Salvador, BA, Brazil 2) Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia. Rodovia Ilhéus–Itabuna, km 16, CP 110. CEP 45662-900. Ilhéus, BA, Brazil 3) University of Kent at Canterbury; DICE – Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology; School of Anthropology and Conservation. Marlowe Building, Kent, CT2 7NZ, UK Corresponding author: Érica Fonseca, e-mail: [email protected] Manuscript received: 7 September 2013 Accepted: 22 January 2014 by Dennis Rödder Introducing alien species to other habitats can lead to Herein we report on the detection of P. guttatus at different deleterious effects on economy, human health and local localities in the Brazilian state of Bahia. wildlife (Vasconcellos 2001, Sax et al. 2007, Dechoum We recorded two specimens of Pantherophis guttatus 2009). However, the impacts of alien snake species are in the state of Bahia. The first record was obtained during poorly known. Some native species suffer due to the in- a survey in the municipality of Camaçari (-12.766809° S, troduction of the Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) to -38.187198° W) in 2001. The specimen was captured in a lo- Florida (Krysko et al. 2007, Engeman et al. 2011) and the cal grassland within the borders of a local protected area, introduction of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) known as APA do Rio Capivara, at Arembepe, which lies that has long been affecting the populations of birds, mam- within an area of very high diversity in coastal Brazil – the mals, and lizards on the island of Guam (Pimentel et al.
[Show full text]
Pantherophis Gloydi Conant Eastern Fox Snake
Pantherophis gloydi Conant eastern fox snake State Distribution Photo by James H. Harding Best Survey Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Status: State threatened four main, isolated populations in southern Michigan, two in Monroe County along Lake Erie, one in St. Global and state rank: G5T3/S2 Clair County along Lake St. Clair, and one in Saginaw County associated with the Shiawassee River and its Family: Colubridae tributaries (Weatherby 1986). Range: The eastern fox snake resides entirely within Recognition: The eastern fox snake is boldly the Great Lakes basin. This species is restricted to the patterned with a row of large dark brown or black shoreline and near shore areas along southern Lake blotches down the middle of the back and smaller, Huron from Saginaw Bay, Michigan and Georgian Bay, alternating blotches on the sides on a yellowish Ontario south to the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, to light brown background. The head varies in and along western Lake Erie from Monroe and Wayne color from yellow or light brown to reddish brown, counties in Michigan to Norfolk County, Ontario and usually with a dark band between the eyes, a band Erie County, Ohio (Harding 1997). Eastern fox snakes extending downward from the eye to the mouth, also have been documented from Pelee Island and and a band extending backwards from the eye to the some of the smaller islands in Lake Erie. The more corner of the mouth (Harding 1997). The underside common western subspecies (Elaphe vulpina vulpina) is yellowish with irregular rows of dark squarish occurs in the western Great Lakes basin from the spots.
[Show full text]
Potential Invasion Risk of Pet Traded Lizards, Snakes, Crocodiles, And
diversity Article Potential Invasion Risk of Pet Traded Lizards, Snakes, Crocodiles, and Tuatara in the EU on the Basis of a Risk Assessment Model (RAM) and Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) OldˇrichKopeck˛ *, Anna Bílková, Veronika Hamatová, Dominika K ˇnazovická, Lucie Konrádová, Barbora Kunzová, Jana Slamˇeníková, OndˇrejSlanina, Tereza Šmídová and Tereza Zemancová Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kam˛cká 129, Praha 6 - Suchdol 165 21, Prague, Czech Republic; [email protected] (A.B.); [email protected] (V.H.); [email protected] (D.K.); [email protected] (L.K.); [email protected] (J.S.); [email protected] (B.K.); [email protected] (O.S.); [email protected] (T.S.); [email protected] (T.Z.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +420-22438-2955 !"#!$%&'(! Received: 30 June 2019; Accepted: 9 September 2019; Published: 13 September 2019 !"#$%&' Abstract: Because biological invasions can cause many negative impacts, accurate predictions are necessary for implementing e↵ective restrictions aimed at speciﬁc high-risk taxa. The pet trade in recent years became the most important pathway for the introduction of non-indigenous species of reptiles worldwide. Therefore, we decided to determine the most common species of lizards, snakes, and crocodiles traded as pets on the basis of market surveys in the Czech Republic, which is an export hub for ornamental animals in the European Union (EU). Subsequently, the establishment and invasion potential for the entire EU was determined for 308 species using proven risk assessment models (RAM, AS-ISK). Species with high establishment potential (determined by RAM) and at the same time with high potential to signiﬁcantly harm native ecosystems (determined by AS-ISK) included the snakes Thamnophis sirtalis (Colubridae), Morelia spilota (Pythonidae) and also the lizards Tiliqua scincoides (Scincidae) and Intellagama lesueurii (Agamidae).
[Show full text]
Anolis Equestris) Should Be Removed When Face of a Watch
VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4 DECEMBER 2008 ONSERVATION AUANATURAL ISTORY AND USBANDRY OF EPTILES IC G, N H , H R International Reptile Conservation Foundation www.IRCF.org Central Netted Dragons (Ctenophorus nuchalis) from Australia are popular in captivity due to their striking appearance and great temperament. See article on p. 226. Known variously as Peters’ Forest Dragon, Doria’s Anglehead Lizard, or Abbott’s Anglehead Lizard (depending on subspecies), Gonocephalus doriae is known from southern Thailand, western Malaysia, and Indonesia west of Wallace’s Line SHANNON PLUMMER (a biogeographic division between islands associated with Asia and those with plants and animals more closely related to those on Australia). They live in remaining forested areas to elevations of 1,600 m (4,800 ft), where they spend most of their time high in trees near streams, either clinging to vertical trunks or sitting on the ends of thin branches. Their conservation status has not been assessed. MICHAEL KERN KENNETH L. KRYSKO KRISTA MOUGEY Newly hatched Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) on the Invasive Knight Anoles (Anolis equestris) should be removed when face of a watch. See article on p. 204. encountered in the wild. See article on p. 212. MARK DE SILVA Grenada Treeboas (Corallus grenadensis) remain abundant on many of the Grenadine Islands despite the fact that virtually all forested portions of the islands were cleared for agriculture during colonial times. This individual is from Mayreau. See article on p. 198. WIKIPEDIA.ORG JOSHUA M. KAPFER Of the snakes that occur in the upper midwestern United States, Populations of the Caspian Seal (Pusa caspica) have declined by 90% JOHN BINNS Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi) are arguably the most impressive in in the last 100 years due to unsustainable hunting and habitat degra- Green Iguanas (Iguana iguana) are frequently edificarian on Grand Cayman.
[Show full text]
Checklist of Grundy County Missouri Amphibians and Reptiles for 2020
X = Recent collection (1987 or after) Checklist of Grundy County Missouri Amphibians and Reptiles for 2020 / = Historical collection (before 1987) Western Lesser Siren Mole Salamander Three-toed Amphiuma Four-toed Salamander Siren intermedia Ambystoma talpoideum Amphiuma tridactylum Hemidactylium scutatum Hellbender Small-mouthed Salamander Long-tailed Salamander Western Slimy Salamander Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Ambystoma texanum Eurycea longicauda Plethodon albagula Ringed Salamander Eastern Tiger Salamander Cave Salamander Ozark Zigzag Salamander Ambystoma annulatum / Ambystoma tigrinum Eurycea lucifuga Plethodon angusticlavius Spotted Salamander Central Newt Grotto Salamander Southern Red-backed Salamander Ambystoma maculatum Notophthalmus viridescens Eurycea spelaea Plethodon serratus Marbled Salamander Mudpuppy Oklahoma Salamander Ambystoma opacum Necturus maculosus Eurycea tynerensis Eastern Spadefoot Cope's Gray Treefrog Boreal Chorus Frog Southern Leopard Frog Scaphiopus holbrookii Hyla chrysoscelis Pseudacris maculata X Lithobates sphenocephalus Plains Spadefoot Green Treefrog Northern Crawfish Frog Wood Frog Spea bombifrons Hyla cinerea Lithobates areolatus Lithobates sylvaticus American Toad Gray Treefrog Plains Leopard Frog Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad X Anaxyrus americanus / Hyla versicolor / Lithobates blairi Gastrophryne carolinensis Great Plains Toad Spring Peeper American Bullfrog Western Narrow-mouthed Toad Anaxyrus cognatus Pseudacris crucifer / Lithobates catesbeianus Gastrophryne olivacea Fowler's Toad Upland Chorus
[Show full text]
FEEDING OBSERVATION. the North American Rat Snake (P. Obsoletus) Is a Climber That Forages in Trees for Bird’S Nests and Squirrels (Ernst, & Ernst, 2003)
Natural History Notes PANTHEROPHIS OBSOLETUS OBSOLETUS (black rat snake): FEEDING OBSERVATION. The North American rat snake (P. obsoletus) is a climber that forages in trees for bird’s nests and squirrels (Ernst, & Ernst, 2003). Although predation on bird’s eggs is common (Ernst & Ernst, 2003), reports of simultaneous predation on a bird’s nest by two foraging P. obsoletus have not been reported. During a visit to Pennsylvania, United States in June 2013, a pair of P. obsoletus with estimated lengths of over 1 m were observed predating on nestlings of the American Robin, Turdus Figure 1. A pair of P. obsoletus predating on chicks migratorius (Harrison, 1975; Baicich, & of the American Robin T. migratorius in Port Mat- Harrison, 1997). The predation event is shown ilda, Pennsylvania, USA. in Fig. 1 and the location of the nest which was situated on the sill above the front door of a property on Kensington Drive, Port Matilda, State College, Pennsylvania (approximate co-ordinates: 40° 47′ 29″ N77° 51′ 31″ W) (is shown in Fig 2). The house was situated in an area with extensive open areas, dense deciduous woodland, network of small ponds and scrub areas and is typical rat snake habitat (Ernst & Ernst, 2003). The snakes were later removed to the surrounding woodland. Further observations of foraging P. obsoletus were observed within the grounds of the property on two additional occasions (12 and 17 June) but it is not known if these were the same individuals. Blouin- Demers and Weatherhead (2001) have suggested that forest clearing has increased the available Figure 2.
[Show full text]
A Guide to Missouri's Snakes
A GUIDE TO MISSOURI’S SNAKES MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION A Guide to Missouri’s Snakes by Jeffrey T. Briggler, herpetologist, and Tom R. Johnson, retired herpetologist, Missouri Department of Conservation Photographs by Jeffrey T. Briggler, Richard Daniel, Tom R. Johnson, and Jim Rathert Edited by Larry Archer Design by Susan Ferber Front cover: Eastern milksnake. Photo by Jim Rathert. mdc.mo.gov Copyright © 2017 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri Published by the Missouri Department of Conservation PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102–0180 Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Depart- ment of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conser- vation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice) or 800-735-2966 (TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. GET TO KNOW MISSOURI’S SNAKES Snakes have generated more fear and misunderstanding than any other group of animals. Psychologists have proven that a fear of snakes (called ophidiophobia) is acquired; we are not born with it. Once people learn some of the interesting facts about snakes and discover that most of them are harmless and beneficial, their aversion may diminish. With patience and understanding, almost anyone can overcome a dread of snakes and actually enjoy studying them. One thing is certain — even people with a well-developed fear of snakes are curious about them.
[Show full text]
MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS and PHYLOGENY of OLD and NEW WORLD RATSNAKES, Elaphe AUCT., and RELATED GENERA (REPTILIA, SQUAMATA, COLUBRIDAE)
Russian Journal of Herpetology Vol. 9, No. 2, 2002, pp. 105 – 124 MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS AND PHYLOGENY OF OLD AND NEW WORLD RATSNAKES, Elaphe AUCT., AND RELATED GENERA (REPTILIA, SQUAMATA, COLUBRIDAE) Urs Utiger,1,5 Notker Helfenberger,2 Beat Schätti,3 Catherine Schmidt,1 Markus Ruf,4 and Vincent Ziswiler1 Submitted January 30, 2002. The phylogenetic relationships of the Holarctic ratsnakes (Elaphe auct.) are inferred from portions of two mitochondrial genes, 12S rRNA and COI. Elaphe Fitzinger is made up of ten Palaearctic species. Natrix longissima Laurenti (type species) and four western Palaearctic species (hohenackeri, lineatus, persicus, and situla) are assigned to Zamenis Wagler. Its phylogenetic affinities with closely related genera, Coro- nella and Oocatochus, remain unclear. The East Asian Coluber porphyraceus Cantor is referred to a new genus. This taxon and the western European Rhinechis scalaris have an isolated position among Old World ratsnakes. Another new genus is described for four Oriental species (cantoris, hodgsonii, moellen- dorffi, and taeniurus). New World ratsnakes and allied genera are monophyletic. Coluber flavirufus Cope is referred to Pseudelaphe Mertens and Rosenberg. Pantherophis Fitzinger is revalidated for Coluber gut- tatus L. (type species) and further Nearctic species (bairdi, obsoletus, and vulpinus). Senticolis triaspis is the sister taxon of New World ratsnakes including the genera Arizona, Bogertophis, Lampropeltis, Pitu- ophis, and Rhinocheilus. The East Asian Coluber conspicillatus Boie and Coluber mandarinus Cantor form a monophyletic outgroup with respect to other Holarctic ratsnake genera and are referred to Euprepiophis Fitzinger. Three Old World species, viz. Elaphe (sensu lato) bella, E. (s.l.) frenata, and E. (s.l.) prasina remain unassigned.
[Show full text]
Checklist of Gasconade County Missouri Amphibians and Reptiles
X = Recent collection (1987 or after) Checklist of Gasconade County Missouri Amphibians and Reptiles for 2020 / = Historical collection (before 1987) Western Lesser Siren Mole Salamander Three-toed Amphiuma Four-toed Salamander Siren intermedia Ambystoma talpoideum Amphiuma tridactylum Hemidactylium scutatum Hellbender Small-mouthed Salamander Long-tailed Salamander Western Slimy Salamander X Cryptobranchus alleganiensis X Ambystoma texanum X Eurycea longicauda X Plethodon albagula Ringed Salamander Eastern Tiger Salamander Cave Salamander Ozark Zigzag Salamander / Ambystoma annulatum / Ambystoma tigrinum / Eurycea lucifuga Plethodon angusticlavius Spotted Salamander Central Newt Grotto Salamander Southern Red-backed Salamander X Ambystoma maculatum X Notophthalmus viridescens Eurycea spelaea Plethodon serratus Marbled Salamander Mudpuppy Oklahoma Salamander X Ambystoma opacum X Necturus maculosus Eurycea tynerensis Eastern Spadefoot Cope's Gray Treefrog Boreal Chorus Frog Southern Leopard Frog Scaphiopus holbrookii Hyla chrysoscelis X Pseudacris maculata X Lithobates sphenocephalus Plains Spadefoot Green Treefrog Northern Crawfish Frog Wood Frog Spea bombifrons Hyla cinerea Lithobates areolatus Lithobates sylvaticus American Toad Gray Treefrog Plains Leopard Frog Eastern Narrow-mouthed Toad X Anaxyrus americanus Hyla versicolor Lithobates blairi Gastrophryne carolinensis Great Plains Toad Spring Peeper American Bullfrog Western Narrow-mouthed Toad Anaxyrus cognatus X Pseudacris crucifer X Lithobates catesbeianus Gastrophryne olivacea
[Show full text]
Thirty-Nine Species of Snakes Inhabit Illinois, Dwelling in Forests, Grasslands
I l l i n o i s yellowbelly water snake Nerodia erythrogaster SNAKESSNAKES eastern hognose snake Heterodon platirhinos eastern worm snake Carphophis amoenus racer Coluber constrictor western ribbon snake Thamnophis proximus Graham’s crayfish snake Regina grahamii northern water snake Nerodia sipedon western mud snake Farancia abacura smooth earth snake Virginia valeriae common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis redbelly snake Storeria occipitomaculata western fox snake Pantherophis vulpinus prairie kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster bullsnake Pituophis catenifer diamondback water snake Nerodia rhombifer common kingsnake Lampropeltis getula red milk snake Lampropeltis triangulum syspila brown snake Storeria dekayi rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus black rat snake juvenile cottonmouth juvenile ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus black rat snake Pantherophis spiloides cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus timber rattlesnake juvenile copperhead juvenile eastern massasauga juvenile timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix eastern massasauga Sistrurus catenatus Species List Family Colubridae This poster was made possible by: eastern worm snake Carphophis amoenus hirty-nine species of snakes inhabit Illinois, dwelling in forests, grasslands, marshes, swamps, ponds, racer Coluber constrictor ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus western mud snake Farancia abacura Illinois Department of Natural Resources lakes, streams, rivers, and sloughs. Some species are quite common, while others are very rare. These eastern hognose snake Heterodon platirhinos prairie kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster Division of Education common kingsnake Lampropeltis getula Division of Natural Heritage reptiles are solitary predators that eat a variety of prey. Snakes have interesting structural features Classification: red milk snake Lampropeltis triangulum syspila T yellowbelly water snake Nerodia erythrogaster Illinois State Museum Kingdom Animalia diamondback water snake Nerodia rhombifer including the Jacobson’s organ, which is used to detect odors.
[Show full text]
Attachment 1
ZB13.6 TORONTO ZOO ANIMAL LIVES WITH PURPOSE INSTITUTIONAL ANIMAL PLAN 2020 OUR MISSION: Our Toronto Zoo - Connecting animals, people and conservation science to fight extinction OUR VISION: A world where wildlife and wild spaces thrive TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................................... 3 Position Statement ............................................................................................................................. 4 A Living Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Species Scoring and Selection Criteria .............................................................................................. 5 Themes and Storylines ....................................................................................................................... 7 African Rainforest Pavilion .................................................................................................................... 9 African Savanna .................................................................................................................................. 13 Indo-Malaya Pavilion ........................................................................................................................... 16 Eurasia Wilds ......................................................................................................................................
[Show full text]