Gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides)

The Gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) is a subspecies of snake that performs crucial ecosystem services for the habitat in which it resides. Most notably, this snake effectively reduces the population of mammalian vermin, such as: mice, rats, chipmunks, and other rodents, that are associated with the spread of zoonotic diseases (Dunn). Although gray ratsnakes are listed as of least conservation concern, they are protected by conservationist legislation in many states due to their pivotal role in regulation of populations of vermin.
It can be difficult to conclusively identify members of the ratsnake species due to the broad phenotypic variation within the population. The phenotypic variation is most often influenced by natural selection, which correlates with patterning and coloration that increases the likelihood for survival within a specific geographical region, (Dunn). For example, the specimen photographed above exhibits a beige-and-brown patterning similar to that of a leopard. This specimen was spotted in southwestern Pennsylvania in an area with contiguous forest. Therefore, the patterning of this particular gray ratsnake specimen is conducive with camouflaging among the deciduous material on the forest floor to avoid predation. In other areas, ratsnakes residing at higher elevations may exhibit no patterning and instead have solid, dark coloration, (Dunn). Conversely, ratsnakes residing near streams may exhibit very colorful patterning, which includes longitudinal stripes and a pale yellow underside, (Dunn.). Ratsnakes can also vary greatly in size with an average length of 99 to 183 centimeters, (Gray Ratsnake).
Gray ratsnakes can be classified as a generalist, because the species is able to thrive in a variety of habitats, including mountainous, low-lying and arid landscapes among more, (Dunn). This species poses a very nominal risk to humans, but human-to-snake conflicts have become more of a regular occurrence due to urban sprawl. Gray ratsnakes have a fairly aggressive disposition and will strike when threatened, (Gray Ratsnake). Gray ratsnakes are a non-venomous species and utilize constriction as their methodology of incapacitating prey, (Gray Ratsnake). Therefore, a bite from a gray ratsnake is harmless to humans, but does pose a moderate risk for a secondary infection if the wound is not properly cleaned. The specimen photographed above was discovered in a storm drain being disassembled for repair and was left undisturbed.

Works Cited:
Gray Ratsnake. (2018). Retrieved from http://animalia.bio/gray-ratsnake
Dunn, T. (n.d.). Rat Snake. Retrieved from https://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/elaobs.htm

Publicado el julio 31, 2020 01:24 MAÑANA por megstafford