Western Foxsnake
Pantherophis ramspotti
Adult Western fox snakes tend to attain a maximum length of 91-127cm and have a short, flattened snout. Their background color is gray or light brown with obvious reddish…
How to identify
Adult Western fox snakes tend to attain a maximum length of 91-127cm and have a short, flattened snout. Their background color is gray or light brown with obvious reddish-brown blotches along the length of their bodies. Their head is usually orange or copper coloration with faded markings. The belly is light yellow or off-white covered in black markings.
Range
They are found in the upper mid western United States, west of the Mississippi river. It is thought to be the same specie as Pantherophis vulpinus which is found in the east of Mississippi river.
Similar species
Pituophis catenifer or Bull snake. They are usually yellow with brown, white, black or reddish mottles. Their blotching pattern is seen as large blotches on top, three sets of spots on the side and bands of black on the tail. They can grow a total length of 4-6ft. Pantherophis slowinski or Slowinski's corn snake. They are grayish-brown colored with large alternating chocolate brown blotches often bordered in black. Their belly is checkered black and white giving it a maize-like appearance. Pantherophis emoryi or the Great plains rat snake. They are capable of attaining maximum length of 3-5ft. The great plains rat snake is usually light gray in color with dark brown or or green-gray blotches along the back and stripes on either side of the head which meet to form a point between the eyes.
Name and etymology
Ramspotti: Honoring Joseph Ramspott
At a glance
Range
They are found in the upper mid western United States, west of the Mississippi river. It is thought to be the same specie as…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap