Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Colubrinae Higher classification Drymobius Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Drymobius Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Drymobius, Snake, Reptile, Colubridae, Coniophanes | ||
Drymobius margaritiferus
Drymobius margaritiferus, commonly known as the speckled racer, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake native to the Americas. The specific name, margaritiferus, means "pearl-bearing" in Latin, referring to the pearl-like spots on the dorsal scales.
Contents
- Drymobius margaritiferus
- Geographic range
- Description
- Behavior
- Habitat
- Diet
- Reproduction
- Subspecies
- Conservation status
- References
Drymobius margaritiferus
Geographic range
It is found from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States south to Colombia. As it is the northernmost ranging species of Drymobius, it is sometimes referred to as the northern speckled racer.
Description
The speckled racer is typically black in color with distinctive yellow and blue spotting, one light-colored spot on each scale, which gives the snake an overall greenish hue. The labials are yellow, with black sutures. The underside is typically yellow to green. They average 30-40 in. (76-102 cm) in length, record 50 in. (127 cm).
The dorsal scales, which are feebly keeled middorsally, but smooth on the flanks, are arranged in 17 rows. The ventrals number 142-168; the subcaudals, 85-126.
Behavior
Speckled racers are fast moving, nervous snakes which do not often hesitate to bite if handled.
Habitat
They are typically found in densely vegetated habitats near permanent water sources.
Diet
They will consume a wide variety of prey, but primarily feed on frogs and toads.
Reproduction
They are oviparous, laying up to 8 eggs at any time in the spring or summer months. The eggs incubate for approximately two months before hatching. Hatchlings are approximately 6 in (15 cm) in length and reach maturity in 2-3 years.
Subspecies
There are four recognized subspecies of D. margaritiferus:
Conservation status
The speckled racer is considered to be a threatened species in the US state of Texas.