Pantherophis ramspotti
Pantherophis ramspotti, commonly known as the western fox snake, is a species of rat snake that is endemic to the upper midwestern United States, west of the Mississippi river.[2][1] It is non-venomous.
| Pantherophis ramspotti | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Pantherophis |
| Species: | P. ramspotti |
| Binomial name | |
| Pantherophis ramspotti | |
Etymology
The scientific name, ramspotti, is in honor of the late aspiring herpetologist Joseph Ramspott.[2]
Species status
Prior to 2011 when P. ramspotti was proposed as a new species name, it was thought to be the same species as P. vulpinus, and P. vulpinus was sometimes called the western fox snake. A 2011 paper by Crother, White, Savage, Eckstut, Graham, Gardner proposed that the Mississippi River be established as the species boundary between two species of fox snakes, and that those found to its east be considered P. vulpinus (including those previously known as P. gloydi ) and those found to its west be given the new name P. ramspotti. This proposed that P. vulpinus, which had been known as the western fox snake, become known as the eastern fox snake, and the new P. ramspotti become known as the western fox snake.
Geographic range
Pantherophis ramspotti is found in the upper Midwestern United States, west of the Mississippi River.[2]
The range of the closely related Pantherophis vulpinus is east of the Mississippi river. The two species do not overlap and there is no intergrade zone.
Diet
Fox snakes are constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other small rodents. They may also consume young rabbits, frogs, and eggs.
Behavior
These snakes are fairly bold and will travel in close proximity to other animals and humans if undisturbed. When confronted, they 'rattle' their tail to imitate a rattlesnake and attempt to deter the perceived threat. They will also go into the S position and snap rapidly in succession. These are all defensive maneuvers in an effort to escape.[3]
References
- Crother, Brian I.; White, Mary E.; Savage, Jay M.; Eckstut, Mallory E.; Graham, Matthew R.; Gardner, David W. (2011). "A Reevaluation of the Status of the Foxsnakes Pantherophis gloydi Conant and P. vulpinus Baird and Girard (Lepidosauria)". ISRN Zoology. 2011: 1–15. doi:10.5402/2011/436049.
- Weinell, Jeffrey L.; Austin, Christopher C. (March 2017). "Refugia and Speciation in North American Scarlet Snakes (Cemophora)". Journal of Herpetology. 51 (1): 161–171. doi:10.1670/15-125.
- "Western Fox Snake". www.museum.state.il.us. Retrieved 2017-08-11.