Central Rat Snake
Pantherophis spiloides • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis spiloides
Eastern and central United States, ranging from New York south to northern Florida, and west to Louisiana, Arkansas, and eastern Texas.
Look up Central Rat Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Pantherophis, Species: Pantherophis spiloides
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of habitat modification.
Physical Description
The visible portion shows a slender body with a patterned dorsal surface featuring dark blotches or a saddle pattern over a lighter brownish-gray or grayish background. The head is relatively narrow, blending into the neck.
Size & Dimensions
The visible segment appears to be part of an adult specimen. Typical adult length ranges from 107 to 183 cm (42 to 72 inches), with record lengths exceeding 200 cm.
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including deciduous forests, rocky wooded hillsides, agricultural fields, swamp margins, and suburban areas. Prefers wooded and edge environments where climbing opportunities are available.
Diet & Feeding
Consists primarily of rodents, small mammals, birds, and bird eggs. Uses constriction to subdue active prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that typically mates in late spring. Females lay clutches averaging 12 to 20 eggs in rotting logs, under rocks, or in loose soil during mid-summer.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern, due to its wide distribution, large population size, and tolerance of habitat modification.
Cultural Significance
Acts as a beneficial natural predator controlling populations of rodents and small agricultural pests.
Notable Features
Renowned for exceptional climbing ability, often found scaling vertical tree trunks, brick walls, and rafters.