Louisiana Pine Snake
Pituophis ruthveni
One of North America's rarest snakes, a large burrowing constrictor tied closely to pocket gopher burrows in longleaf pine forests.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Western Louisiana and eastern Texas
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Overview
The Louisiana pine snake is among the rarest snake species in North America, found only in a few isolated longleaf pine forest patches in western Louisiana and eastern Texas. Its survival is closely linked to the pocket gopher, whose extensive burrow systems it depends on for shelter and whose populations it also preys upon.
The species is considered federally protected due to severe habitat fragmentation and decline of the longleaf pine ecosystem it depends on.
How to identify it
- Light tan to yellowish-brown ground color
- Bold, well-defined dark blotches, especially toward the tail
- Small head relative to a robust body; pointed snout for burrowing
- Keeled scales
- Round pupils
Habitat & range
Restricted to longleaf pine forests with sandy, well-drained soils supporting extensive pocket gopher burrow systems in western Louisiana and eastern Texas.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal, spends much of its life underground in pocket gopher burrows. Preys heavily on pocket gophers along with other small mammals, using constriction. Lays a small clutch of unusually large eggs in burrows during summer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Louisiana pine snake so rare?
Its habitat, longleaf pine forest with pocket gopher burrow systems, has been drastically reduced, making it one of North America's rarest snakes.
Is it venomous?
No, it is nonvenomous.
What is its relationship with pocket gophers?
It relies heavily on pocket gopher burrows for shelter and preys on the gophers themselves, forming a close ecological relationship.
Louisiana Pine Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Louisiana Pine Snake.
