Thamnophis proximus orarius

(Rossman, 1963)

Vernacular names

English : Gulf Coast ribbon snake
French : Serpent jarretière du Golfe

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Natricidae/Colubridae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults can grow up to 120 cm in length with a very long tail. Slender body and round head with large eyes. Coloration is made of broad longitudinal lines, orange on back, black on sides of back and yellow and black on flanks.

Range and habitat

The species occurs from central USA (Illinois) to Mexico and Costa Rica. This subspecies is known from south-east Texas and Louisiana. Lives in grasslands, semi deserts and woodlands close to water, up to 2500 m.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is still relatively common to locally abundant in suitable habitat. Rarely collected for trade. Wetland destruction is the main threat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation