Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Thamnophis
elegans vagrans
Natricidae
45-76
Small lizards,
amphibians
(including tadpoles),
slugs, earthworms,
leeches, and
occasionally small
mammals (mice)
Southwest Saskatchewan,
south Alberta, south British
Columbia;south Manitoba;
South Dakota to western
Washington, Oregon, and
eastern central California
(probably the widest
ranging
Thamnophis elegans
subspecies)
Readily accepts small
mammals in captivity. Has
been observed at elevations
up to 3200 m
Ernst and Ernst
(2003), Kumlutas
et al. (2004)
Thamnophis
sirtalis sirtalis
Natricidae
45-66
Earthworms, small
lizards, amphibians
(including tadpoles),
slugs, leeches,
and occasionally
nestling mice
Massachusetts and west New
England westward through
Ontario, and south through
peninsular Florida and west
to east Louisiana. Isolated
occurrences in southeast
Texas
Possibly, the snake most
commonly maintained in
captivity. Found farther
north in Canada than any
other snake species
Ernst and Ernst
(2003), Kumlutas
et al. (2004)
Thelotornis
capensis
Colubridae,
Colubrinae
60-80
Lizards (particularly
chameleons), frogs,
fledgling birds,
snakes
East and South Africa
Prey is often swallowed
while the snake suspends
head downward
Visser and
Chapman (1978)
a
See Table 4.1 and text for common names.
b
The listed taxonomic assignments are current to the date of publication of this topic. These are susceptible to probable re-adjustment according to future taxonomic studies.
c
Information is derived from these references, as well as personal observations of the authors.
