Green Rat Snake
Senticolis triaspis
The green ratsnake can grow to a length of 63 inches, with a dorsal pigmentation of green or olive-green and a light-yellow ventral surface. It has an elongated head, a s…
How to identify
The green ratsnake can grow to a length of 63 inches, with a dorsal pigmentation of green or olive-green and a light-yellow ventral surface. It has an elongated head, a slender body, and smooth dorsal scales of 31-39 rows. The juveniles are grey or grey-green with grey-brown dorsal blotches, but the blotches change to green as it ages. Females are often longer than males but both have round pupils on the eyes.
Range
The green ratsnake is peculiar to Baboquivari, Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Patagonia, Chiricahua, Swisshelm, Pedregosa, and Piloncillo mountains of south-eastern Arizona.
Habitat
They are natural inhabitants of the Madrean Evergreen woodland and the upper reaches of the semi-desert grassland communities. They are often reported to be seen on steep, rocky slopes and along drainages. They are often active during the day or twilight. They are seen, foraging in the branches of trees and bushes but they dwell more on the ground, sheltering under large rocks, boulders, outcroppings, and rock piles. They hibernate during the cold months of winter and late fall in Arizona. When the green ratsnake is encountered, it remains motionless to avoid detection. It feeds on small mammals like; birds, lizards, and bats, killing them by deadly constriction. They mate during spring and adult females reproduce during late spring or early summer, birthing a clutch of up to 9 eggs.
Variations
senticolis triaspis intermedia senticolis triaspis mutabilis senticolis triaspis triaspis
Similar species
The green ratsnake is monotypic, being the only species in the genus. However, it is similar to the western ratsnake (pantherophis obsoletus), which is a black snake with tinges of white, red or orange blotches. The grey ratsnake (pantherophis spiloides) has a muted grey or brown skin colour and can be as long as 8 feet. The eastern ratsnake (pantherophis alleghaniansis) has a bright yellow skin colour with 4 dark stripe running down the length.
Name and etymology
Triaspis: Greek for three (tri) aps (aspis).
At a glance
Range
The green ratsnake is peculiar to Baboquivari, Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Patagonia, Chiricahua, Swisshelm, Pedregosa, a…
Habitat
They are natural inhabitants of the Madrean Evergreen woodland and the upper reaches of the semi-desert grassland communities…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap