Regina grahamii

Regina grahamii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Subfamily: Natricinae
Genus: Regina
Species: R. grahamii
Binomial name
Regina grahamii
Baird & Girard, 1853
Synonyms
  • Regina grahamii
    Baird & Girard, 1853
  • Tropidonotus grahamii
    Günther, 1858
  • Tropidonotus leberis var. grahamii Jan, 1865
  • Natrix grahamii Cope, 1892
  • Nerodia grahami Conant, 1978
  • Regina grahami
    H.M. Smith & Brodie, 1982
  • Regina grahamii
    — Conant & Collins, 1991

Regina grahamii, commonly known as Graham's crayfish snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake, which is endemic to North America.

Etymology

The specific name, grahamii, is in honor of Lt. Col. James Duncan Graham, U.S. Topographical Engineers, who collected the type specimen.[1][2]

Description

R. grahamii is a medium-sized snake, measuring an average of 18–28 inches (46–71 cm) in total length (including tail), but can grow up to almost 4 feet long in some cases. The maximum recorded total length is 47 inches (119 cm).[3]

It is usually a brown or gray color with an occasional faint mid-dorsal stripe. Its lateral stripes are typically cream, white tan, or light yellow and located from the belly up to the fourth scale row. The belly is typically the same color as the lateral stripes and is unmarked, with the exception of a row of dark dots down the center (rare in specimens).

Subspecies

There are no subspecies of Graham's crayfish snake, Regina grahamii, which are recognized.

Habitat

Regina grahamii occurs along the margins of mud-bottom marshes, oxbow lakes, rivers and streams. It particularly likes roadside ditches abundant with crayfish. Graham's crayfish snakes typically hide under rocks, logs, and other debris at the waters edge and also spend much time in crayfish burrows.

Diet

Graham's crayfish snake feeds chiefly upon crayfish, especially recently molted crayfish. They are also reported to eat fish and amphibians.

Temperament and Defense

The primary defense for this species is camouflage and nocturnal behaviors. When alarmed, especially while basking, it will make a quick escape into the water and hide. This species is relatively docile, but it may flatten out and musk if captured.

Reproduction

Adult females bear live young in broods of 10–15. Newborns are about 8 inches (about 20 cm) in total length.[4]

In Captivity

They are difficult to keep; specimens usually refuse all food and develop skin lesions easily. Only experienced snake owners should attempt to raise them.

Geographic Range

These snakes are typically found in Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Nebraska, and Illinois.[5]

References

  1. Beltz, Ellin. 2006. Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America — Explained. ebeltz.net/herps/biogappx.html.
  2. Beolens, Bo, Michael Watkins and Michael Grayson. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Johns Hopkins University Press. Baltimore, Maryland. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Regina grahami, p. 105.)
  3. Conant, Roger. 1975. A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Second Edition. Houghton Mifflin. Boston. 429 pp. (GRAHAM'S WATER SNAKE Natrix grahami, p. 150, Plate 21, Map 110.)
  4. Schmidt, K.P., and D.D. Davis. 1941. Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. G.P. Putnam's Sons. New York. 365 pp. (Graham's Water Snake.Natrix grahamii, pp. 210–211, Figure 67.)
  5. Wright, A.H., and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Two Volumes. Comstock. Ithaca and London. 1,106 pp. (Graham's water snake, Natrix grahami, pp. 490–493, Figure 144, Map 40.)

External links

Crayfish Snake - Regina grahamii Species account from the Iowa Reptile and Amphibian Field Guide

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Further reading