Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Colubridae |
Genus: | Pituophis |
Species: | |
Subspecies: | P. m. mugitus |
Trinomial name | |
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus Barbour, 1921 |
Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus, commonly known as the Florida pinesnake or Florida pine snake, is a subspecies of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. It is one of three subspecies of the species Pituophis melanoleucus .
Discovered by Thomas Barbour in 1921, [2] P. m. mugitus intergrades with the other subspecies of P. melanoleucus along the borders of their ranges. [1]
Common names for P. m. mugitus include "Florida pine snake" and "Florida pinesnake". [3]
Adults of P. m. mugitus are heavy bodied. They vary in size significantly, but generally are large, averaging 48–66-inch (120–170 cm) long; the longest recorded was 90 inches (230 cm). [4] Their pattern consists of dark brown or rust colored splotches on a tan or light cream background color. Toward the head, these markings are more faded and darker; toward the tail, they are more vivid. To differentiate based on age, the darkness of the markings may be used: in young individuals, the dark markings are more defined. [4]
Based on region, the color may vary, with some populations being exceptionally pale while others are exceptionally dark. [4]
P. m. mugitus is endemic to the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. [5] Specifically, its range is limited to the following states: [1]
Within these states, the subspecies can be found in high pinelands, sandy places, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods on well-drained soils, and old fields on former sandhill sites. However, during drought, it seeks open habitats around wetlands. Additionally, it has been observed that, when available, it uses gopher tortoise burrows as refuge. [1]
As a powerful constrictor, P. m. mugitus preys on small mammals, rabbits, and other rodents, primarily. Less commonly, they can eat ground-dwelling birds, bird eggs, and lizards. They actively forage above and below ground. [5] For example, they are known to use their snout to dig into pocket gopher burrows. [1] They are also known to press prey against the walls of burrows to immobilize and/or constrict prey. [4] [6]
When threatened, P. m. mugitus can initiate a display that includes coiling up, inflating its body, hissing loudly, and creating a rattle-like noise by shaking its tail in dry leaves. The notably loud [7] hissing is generated by passing exhaled air over a flap of tissue that reaches across the air opening in the partially-open mouth. [5]
P. m. mugitus is diurnal and fossorial. [5] Inactive in cold weather, they are active in the months of March through October, with peak activity in the months of May, June, July and October. [1]
In order to reproduce, during spring and early summer, adult males will begin to search large areas of their habitat for females. Upon discovery of a female, the male holds on to the female by biting her neck; he then proceeds to wrap around her and rub his body against hers. The entire process can take several hours to complete. [4]
After mating, the female lays the clutch of eggs, usually containing 4-12 [8] large, white, leathery [4] eggs, in June, July, or August. [1] These eggs may be laid in the burrow of another animal or in an egg chamber excavated by the female. [4] [5] The eggs hatch 67-72 days after laying, [8] likely in September and October. [1]
P. m mugitus hatchlings are larger then most snake hatchlings with an average length of 15 inches. [4]
In addition to the state-level conservation statuses previously noted, P. m. mugitus has been classified by NatureServe as G4T3; [1] this means that while the species, P. melanoleucus, is 'apparently secure', the specific subspecies of P. m. mugitus is 'vulnerable'. NatureServe defines 'apparently secure' as "at fairly low risk of extinction or collapse" and 'vulnerable' as "at moderate risk of extinction or collapse". [1]
Additionally, the population is assumed to be declining as a result of habitat loss. [1] [9] This loss includes the removal of tree stumps, which causes a decrease in the amount of underground habitat structures. [8] In addition, predation at all stages of life from nine-banded armadillos, feral hogs, and red imported fire ants could be increasing. [8] Finally, mortality caused by humans, domesticated pets, and roads all contribute to further harm to the subspecies. [8]
In order to increase the stability of this subspecies, some say it is necessary to establish large, connected tracts of land that undergo regular controlled burns. The continuity of these tracts of land could help maintain genetic diversity, while the controlled burns would help maintain the habitat for P. m. mugitus, among many other species. [4] Corroborating this is NatureServe's Management Requirements, which directly state the need for consistent controlled burns. [1] Additionally, the mean home range size among P. m. mugitus was measured to be 59.2 ha (146 acres), [10] emphasizing the idea that large tracts of land are necessary.
Pantherophis obsoletus, also known commonly as the western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, or simply black snake, is a nonvenomous species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to central North America. There are no subspecies that are recognized as being valid. Its color variations include the Texas rat snake. Along with other snakes of the eastern United States, like the eastern indigo snake and the eastern racer, it is called “black snake”.
The burrowing owl, also called the shoco, is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. Burrowing owls can be found in grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, deserts, or any other open, dry area with low vegetation. They nest and roost in burrows, such as those excavated by prairie dogs. Unlike most owls, burrowing owls are often active during the day, although they tend to avoid the midday heat. Like many other kinds of owls, though, burrowing owls do most of their hunting during dusk and dawn, when they can use their night vision and hearing to their advantage. Living in open grasslands as opposed to forests, the burrowing owl has developed longer legs that enable it to sprint, as well as fly, when hunting.
The eastern indigo snake is a species of large, non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. Native to the southeastern United States, it is the longest native snake species in the country.
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The mud snake is a species of nonvenomous, semiaquatic, colubrid snake endemic to the southeastern United States.
Pituophis melanoleucus, commonly known as the eastern pine snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. Three subspecies are currently recognized as being valid.
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The Andros Island iguana or Andros iguana is an endangered subspecies of Northern Bahamian rock iguana of the genus Cyclura that is found on Andros Island on the western edge of Grand Bahama. Its status is Endangered, with a wild population of 3,500 animals, and it can be found on the IUCN Red List.
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