eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHARACTERISTICS: Formerly known as the "black ratsnake", this
commonly seen snake is a solid, shiny black and grows to lengths of 42

72 in. (106.7-183 cm). It may show traces of a spotted pattern when the

skin is stretched, as after a meal. The light areas of skin between the scales

may be white, yellow, orange, or red. The belly displays a vague checker-

board pattern of gray or brown on white or yellowish. Juveniles have a

pattern of black to dark brown blotches on a peppered black and white to

gray body and a brown stripe from the front of the eye to the margin of

the mouth. Adult black ratsnakes may be confused with adult northern

black racer, Coluber constrictor; however, the latter has smooth scales, a

round body in cross section, and white only on the chin. Juveniles are

sometimes confused with small copperheads but the latter have brown

hourglass- shaped crossbands and a yellow tip tail. The black ratsnake

emerges from hibernation in April and mates in May or June. The eggs, numbering 5-25, are laid in July, in decomposing logs, mulch or sawdust

heaps, or hollow trees. The eggs hatch in late August or September. This

snake is often active just after sunset, when it may travel considerable

distances.

 

DISTRIBUTION: Black ratsnakes are distributed statewide in Virginia
below 1350 meters elevation. This is a terrestrial species that also climbs

trees. It is found in a variety of habitats, including agricultural areas, most

types of hardwood forest, isolated urban woodlots, and forested wetlands.

This snake is often found in barns and old buildings where preys on mice

and other small rodents.

 

FOODS: The primary prey are rodents, birds, and bird's eggs. Prey are
killed by constriction and the eggs are swallowed whole and then broken
in the throat.

 

 

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