Drymobius margaritiferus
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| Drymobius margaritiferus (Schlegel, 1837) |
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Herpetodryas margaritiferus |
The Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake native primarily to Central America, but it is found from the United States, in the southernmost counties of Texas, to northern South America in Colombia. As it is the northernmost ranging species of Drymobius, it is sometimes referred to as the Northern Speckled Racer.
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[edit] Description
The Speckled Racer is typically black in color with distinctive yellow and blue spotting, which gives the snake an overall greenish hue. The underside is typically yellow to green. They average between 30 and 40 inches in length.
[edit] Behavior
Speckled Racers are fast moving, nervous snakes which do not often hesitate to bite if handled. They are typically found in densely vegetated habitats near permanent water sources. They will consume a wide variety of prey, but primarily feed on frogs and toads. 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 inches in length and reach maturity in 2-3 years.
[edit] Subspecies
There are three recognized subspecies of D. margaritiferus:
- Drymobius margaritiferus margaritiferus (Schlegel, 1837)
- Drymobius margaritiferus fistulosus Smith, 1942
- Drymobius margaritiferus occidentalis Bocourt, 1890
[edit] Conservation status
The Speckled Racer is considered to be a threatened species in the US state of Texas.
