Great plains ratsnake
Elaphe emoryi
36.7473, -95.9808
Field Notes
Description:
Tan to brown body with dark blotches on its back and sides. The belly is checkered and it has stripes under its tail. With a pattern and coloration similar to the prairie kingsnake, the great plains ratsnake has a few differences: its scales are weekly keeled and the anal plate is divided. Adults 24 - 36 inches (61 - 91 cm)
Habitat:
Wooded areas, barnyards, abandoned houses, and rocky hillsides
Notes:
Great plains ratsnakes are often mistaken for prairie kingsnakes, but a quick peek at the ventral side will reveal the true identity. As mentioned in the description, the great plains has a checkered (or blotched) belly and the underside of the tail is striped.
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 9, 2012
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