Pantherophis alleghaniensis

(Holbrook, 1836)

Vernacular names
English : Eastern ratsnake
French : Serpent ratier de l’est

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Colubridae
Notes : No subspecies known. Regroups many former subspecies of P. obsoletus including rossalleni and quadrivittata.

Identification
The species can occasionally grow to over 2 m in length. Depending on populations, adults can be nearly entirely black with cream-colored chin and throat or can be bright orange with longitudinal dark bands on each sides of back.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in North America, from South Canada (Ontario) to Florida, eastwards to Georgia and North Carolina. Lives in forests, woodlands, humid grasslands, occasionally urban areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has only been recently assessed after its taxonomic change. It is common and widespread.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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