Snakes and Lizards of Minnesota Western Foxsnake

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Snakes and Lizards of Minnesota Western Foxsnake NON-VENOMOUS SNAKES RATTLESNAKE MIMIC (See page 67) Western FoxSnake (Pantherophis vulpinus) 12" 24" 36" 48" 60" 72" Status: Not listed, Species in Greatest Conservation Need Size: 36 - 54 inches Active season: Late April through October Scales: Weakly keeled, divided anal plate Description: This snake has a yellowish tan to gray background color with brown to black mid-dorsal blotches and a row of alternating smaller blotches along each side. Blotches are outlined in black. The head is a solid copper or brown color. The belly is pale yellow with brown or black markings. Young Foxsnakes typically have a lighter background color, and a dark bar between their eyes, extending to the corner of the mouth on each side. Diet: Rodents, ground-nesting birds and their eggs Habitat: Often found in riparian (river) areas, upland hardwood forests, pine barrens and prairies; typically near a river or stream. They overwinter below the frost line in rock crevices, mammal burrows, wells and stone foundations. Hunting: Constrictor Reproduction: Egg layer, clutch size is 7 – 29 eggs, with an average of 14. Other name(s): Pine Snake, Copperhead Notes: This snake is frequently encountered in people’s homes, especially homes with stone foundations. The previous scientific name for this snake was Elaphe vulpina. 46 WESTERN FOXSNAKE MNDNR–Barb Perry MNDNR–Barb Adult Western Foxsnake. Christopher E. Smith Christopher Juvenile Western Foxsnake. Juveniles of this species have different coloration than adults. 47 Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2010. Snakes and Lizards of Minnesota. Nongame Wildlife Program, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, St. Paul, Minnesota. 67 pp. .
Recommended publications
  • 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]
  • 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]
  • 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]
  • Assault from All Sides: Hybridization and Introgression Threaten the Already Critically Endangered Myuchelys Georgesi (Chelonia: Chelidae)
    Vol. 37: 239–247, 2018 ENDANGERED SPECIES RESEARCH Published November 29 https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00928 Endang Species Res OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Assault from all sides: hybridization and introgression threaten the already critically endangered Myuchelys georgesi (Chelonia: Chelidae) A. Georges1,*, R. J. Spencer2, A. Kilian3, M. Welsh1, X. Zhang1 1Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia 2Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia 3Diversity Arrays Technology Pty Ltd, University of Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia ABSTRACT: Hybridization and introgression between species is remarkably common, even between distantly related taxa. This suggests that the frequency of hybridization between species has been greatly constrained, not by evolutionary divergence in isolation, but by lack of opportunity. This constraint is being relaxed by human-mediated dispersal. Here, we document a case where such dispersal of a widespread species of freshwater turtle (Emydura macquarii) into the highly restricted range of a critically endangered endemic turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) has provided op - portunity for the two to hybridize. This has raised concerns about the potential impact of hybridiza- tion on the endemic species, and its continued persistence in the face of challenges brought about by habitat alteration, increased competition, disease and genetic pollution. This study serves to highlight the risks associated with human-mediated dispersal, which can bring into contact spe- cies that would otherwise never or only rarely have met, and thus provide opportunities for hybridization and introgression between even distantly related species, with uncertain conse- quences for already threatened species.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Naturally Occurring Intergeneric Hybrid Snakes (Pituophis Catenifer Sayi · Pantherophis Vulpinus; Lampropeltini, Squamata) from the Midwestern United States
    Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 46, No. 2, 257–262, 2012 Copyright 2012 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Two Naturally Occurring Intergeneric Hybrid Snakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi · Pantherophis vulpinus; Lampropeltini, Squamata) from the Midwestern United States 1 2,3 4 3,5 6,7,8 JEFFREY B. LECLERE, ERICA P. H OAGLUND, JIM SCHAROSCH, CHRISTOPHER E. SMITH, AND TONY GAMBLE 1878 Galtier Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55117 USA 2Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological and Water Resources—Nongame Program, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106 USA 3Wildlife Research and Consulting Services, LLC, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127 USA 4811 Boulder Drive, Center Point, Iowa 52213 USA 5Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 USA 6Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455 USA 7Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108 USA ABSTRACT.—Two intergeneric hybrid snakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi · Pantherophis vulpinus) are described from the midwestern United States; one collected in south central Iowa and the other from southeastern Minnesota. Both specimens are morphologically intermediate between the putative parental species P. c. sayi and P. vulpinus. Hybrid origin was verified by comparing DNA sequence data from the hybrids to the putative parental species. Both hybrid specimens possessed P. c. sayi mitochondrial DNA haplotypes. Examination of the nuclear gene Vimentin (intron 5) showed both specimens were heterozygous at most variable sites confirming their hybrid origin. These snakes represent only the second and third confirmed instances of naturally occurring intergeneric hybridization among squamate reptile species.
    [Show full text]
  • Current Scientific and Standard Common Names of Wisconsin Amphibians and Reptiles
    Current Scientific and Standard Common Names of Wisconsin Amphibians and Reptiles Bureau of Science Services Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 Miscellaneous Publication PUB-SS-1121 2013 ______________________________________________________ Summary: We provide an updated checklist of the current scientific and common names of the amphibians and reptiles found in Wisconsin, based on the latest professional society endorsed taxonomy. We identify discrepancies between the endorsed taxonomy and usage by NatureServe. We also include current federal and state conservation status ranks as applied by these agencies. The checklist includes 57 species, with an additional four species noted as hypothetical. No species have been extirpated from the state, and only one species is listed as a federal candidate species. Seven species are listed as state endangered and three as state threatened. Twenty species are listed as species of special concern and 24 are considered species of greatest conservation need in Wisconsin’s Wildlife Action Plan. Four species are considered protected wild animals. One turtle and one frog have been introduced in many areas, but also naturally occur. Systematic relationships are constantly being re-evaluated with new techniques, and as a result our understanding of evolutionary relationships and taxonomy constantly changes with no actual on-the-ground change in species populations or distributions. Species may also be added and removed from state and regional faunal lists as populations and range limits fluctuate, and new populations are discovered. As a result, this checklist will inevitably become out-of-date, and the user is well advised to check the primary literature and professional society websites for changes when using current taxonomy.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Parcas Criteria and Implementation Plan Here!
    Model Criteria and Implementation Guidance for a Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (PARCA) System in the U.S.A. V.4 October 2012 PARCA Task Team Prepared by Ron Sutherland and Phillip deMaynadier In collaboration with National PARC’s "Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Areas" Task Team: Co-Leads: Ron Sutherland , Wildlands Network Phillip deMaynadier, Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Team Members: Margaret Trani Griep, U.S. Forest Service Southern Region Audrey Hatch, formerly Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Randy Jennings, Western New Mexico University Karen Kinkead , Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources Priya Nanjappa, Assoc. of Fish & Wildlife Agencies Cover Photographs: Blanding’s Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) – J. Mays Coastal Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) – B. McCreary Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) – J.D. Willson Blue-spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale) – L. Kenney Reticulate Gila Monster (Heloderma s. suspectum) – K. Stohlgren Suggested citation: R. Sutherland and P. deMaynadier. 2012. Model Criteria and Implementation Guidance for a Priority Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Area (PARCA) System in the USA. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Technical Publication PARCA-1. 28 pp. 2 V.4 October 2012 PARCA Task Team Contents: Acknowledgments ………………………………………………………………………….....................…...3 Introduction…………..……. ……………………………………………………………………………………3 Criteria for PARCA Selection…………………… …………………………………………………………5 Criteria Overview and PARCA Scale.............……………………………………………………….…..8
    [Show full text]
  • SNAKES-OF-ILLINOIS-2019.Pdf
    SNAKES AND THE LAW IN ILLINOIS SNAKES OF ILLINOIS If you wish to do research on or keep snakes as pets in Illinois, there are some regulations you should be aware of: (1) Permits are required to study, work with, or maintain venomous snakes. (2) There are captive maintenance regulations for any boa, python, or anaconda. (3) Permits are required to study, work with, or maintain endangered/threatened species. (4) Permits are required to work with, or collect snakes from public lands such as a NORTHERN TIMBER state park, nature preserve, or national forest. And RATTLESNAKE (5) There are personal possession SOUTHERN limits for any native species of snake. COPPERHEAD (6) It is illegal to buy, sell, trade, barter, or breed any wild-caught Illinois snakes, any resulting offspring from them, or any lineage of Illinois origin. The full list of regulations regarding the legalities of snakes or any other reptile or Text and illustrations by: amphibian can be found at the following links Scott R. Ballard for the Illinois Herp Code: Natural Heritage Biologist Herpetologist Herp Code Statute-- Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp? 1027 S. Division St. ActID=3563&ChapterID=41 Carterville, IL 62918 (618) 694-3398 Herp Code Ad Rules-- [email protected] https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/adrules/documen ts/17-885.pdf COTTONMOUTH EASTERN Equal opportunity to participate in programs of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and those funded Illinois is home to 40 species of snakes. Only 4 WATER MASSASAUGA of the 40 species are venomous.
    [Show full text]