Thamnophis proximus

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Thamnophis proximus
Thamnophis proximus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Thamnophis
Species:
T. proximus
Binomial name
Thamnophis proximus
(Say, 1823)
Synonyms [2]
  • Coluber proximus
    Say, 1823 [3]
  • Eutaenia proxima
    Baird & Girard, 1853
  • Thamnophis proxima
    Garman, 1892
  • Thamnophis saurita proxima
    Barbour & Cole, 1906
  • Thamnophis sauritus proximus
    Burt, 1935
  • Thamnophis proximus
    Rossman, 1963

Thamnophis proximus, commonly known as the western ribbon snake or western ribbonsnake, is a species of garter snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is found in the central and southern United States, Mexico, and Central America south to central Costa Rica. [1] [2] The species has six recognized subspecies. [2]

Contents

Description

T. proximus is a slender snake with a very long tail, approximately one-third of the total length of the body. Dorsally, T. proximus is blackish, brown, or olive with three light-colored stripes. Ventrally, it is greenish-white or yellowish-white. The upper labials are whitish and unmarked, contrasting with the dark top and sides of the head. [4]

Adults measure 17–50 in (43–127 cm) in total length (including the tail). [5]

Subspecies

Six subspecies of the western ribbon snake (T. proximus) are recognized as being valid, including the nominate subspecies. [2]

Nota bene : A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Thamnophis.

Ecology

T. proximus is a semiaquatic snake that occurs in a wide range of habitats, usually not far from water. It can be found from sea level to nearly 2,500 m (8,200 ft). It feeds on a range of invertebrates (earthworms, crayfish) and small vertebrates (lizards, fishes, and frogs, including tadpoles). [1]

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<i>Thamnophis saurita</i> Species of snake

Thamnophis saurita, also known as the eastern ribbon snake, common ribbon snake, or simply ribbon snake, is a common species of garter snake native to Eastern North America. It is a non-venomous species of snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The ribbon snake averages 16 to 35 inches in total length. It is dark brown with bright yellow stripes. The ribbon snake is not sexually dimorphic; however, females are normally thicker than their male counterparts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas garter snake</span> Subspecies of snake

The Texas garter snake is a subspecies of the common garter snake. The subspecies, which belongs to the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae, is native to the western United States.

<i>Thamnophis proximus rubrilineatus</i> Subspecies of snake

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<i>Pantherophis bairdi</i> Species of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth earth snake</span> Species of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Checkered garter snake</span> Species of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Butler's garter snake</span> Species of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crayfish snake</span> Species of snake

The crayfish snake, also known commonly as the glossy crayfish snake, the glossy swampsnake, the glossy water snake, and the striped water snake, is a species of semiaquatic snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States, and preys mainly on crayfish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kirtland's snake</span> Species of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Striped whipsnake</span> Species of snake

The striped whipsnake is a species of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. It is closely related to the California whipsnake. The striped whipsnake is native to the western United States and adjacent northern Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern ribbon snake</span> Subspecies of snake

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Midwestern worm snake</span> Subspecies of snake

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Chaves, G.; Lamar, W.; Porras, L.W.; Solórzano, A.; Sunyer, J.; Hammerson, G.A. (2013). "Thamnophis proximus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T198522A2529292. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T198522A2529292.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Thamnophis proximus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  3. Say T (1823). In: James E (1823). Account of an Expedition from Pittsburgh to the Rocky Mountains, Performed in the Years 1819 and '20, by Order of the Hon. J.C. Calhoun, Sec'y of War: Under the Command of Major Stephen H. Long. From the Notes of Major Long, Mr. T. Say, and other Gentlemen of the Exploring Party. Vol. I. Philadelphia: H.C. Carey and I. Lea. 503 pp. (Coluber proximus, new species, p. 187).
  4. Schmidt KP, Davis DD (1941). Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp., 34 Plates. (Thamnophis sauritus proximus, pp. 256-257 + Plate 28).
  5. Wright AH, Wright AA (1957). Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates, a Division of Cornell University Press. 1,105 pp. (in two volumes). (Thamnophis sauritus proximus, pp. 827-832, Figures 239, 240 + Map 59 on p. 767).

Further reading