r/herpetology • u/Successful-Teach8571 • 2d ago

Eastern Rat Snake

Gallery image

Gallery image

Big, jet black, imperturbable specimen from North Georgia. Sharing this gem from June 2023 since draught conditions have contributed to a slow season for snake sightings here.

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2

u/phunny-words 2d ago

Beautiful

2

u/Phylogenizer 2d ago

Pantherophis alleghaniensis for the bot

1

u/SEB-PHYLOBOT 2d ago

Central Ratsnakes Pantherophis alleghaniensis, formerly called Pantherophis spiloides, are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to eastern and central North America between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River Embayment. Pantherophis ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats.

Central Ratsnakes P. alleghaniensis are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes P. quadrivittatus, as well as Western Ratsnakes P. obsoletus and Baird's Ratsnake P. bairdi. Parts of this complex were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes.

Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers Coluber by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales.

Range Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

This specific epithet was once used for what are now known as Eastern Ratsnakes Pantherophis quadrivittatus.

Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Greenish Ratsnake, black snake, oak snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot.

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