I collected this snake because I wasn't sure of its identity. Although at first glance it looked a bit like T.gracilis it didn't match exactly. I have seen a lot of gracilis from this general area.
It was preserved and deposited in the TCWC. It was later identified as T. atriceps by Jim Dixon. I don't know the basis of this ID.
It really doesn't "look" like atriceps should, but the scalation and hemipenis appear to match? If anyone wants to check it out in the TCWC collection, it should still be there!
Couch Mountain Ranch
Found dead on a sotol/shrub savanna on a plateau top, being scavenged by Pogonomyrme harvester ants
N30.12207 W-101.097598
JPK-3432
A roadkill Emory Rat Snake found on Bluff Road in Monroe County, Illinois near Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve. This is the first specimen that I have seen in Illinois. I hope to find a live one next time. I believe that their numbers in Illinois are underestimated.
Please note. I know this is a intergrade with splendia, please don't ID it as a Desert King, I am going by the range map and Naming that Inat is using. We all know the id is debatable. I want to keep the snake itself as research grade and follow Inat's naming even if I/we don't agree. Thank you for understanding.
Activity
Please note. I know this is a intergrade with splendia, please don't ID it as a Desert King, I am going by the range map and Naming that Inat is using. We all know the id is debatable. I want to keep the snake itself as research grade and follow Inat's naming even if I don't agree. Thank you for understanding.