The Southern Durango spotted garter snake (Thamnophis nigronuchalis) is a species of snake of the family Colubridae. It is endemic to the state of Durango, Mexico.
| Southern Durango spotted garter snake | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Thamnophis |
| Species: | T. nigronuchalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Thamnophis nigronuchalis Thompson, 1957
| |
Description edit
This is a heavy-bodied, medium sized garter snake. It has an oval-shaped head with two supralabial scales, two preocular scales, and a distinct black blotch on the dorsal surface of its neck. It has 149-165 ventral and 63-70 caudal scales. Ventral scales are heavily pigmented, often forming an irregular black stripe. The dorsal pattern consists of rufous-colored spots outlined in black in 5-10 rows, with no dorsal or lateral stripes.[2]
Taxonomy edit
Classification edit
While it is now considered a valid species,[3] some authorities have classified this snake as a subspecies of the narrow-headed garter snake under the name Thamnophis rufipunctatus nigronuchalis.[4]
Etymology edit
The specific name nigronuchalis references the Latin word nigro meaning black, and nuchal meaning of the nape, and is derived from the black neck patch characteristic of the species.[2]
Distribution and habitat edit
This snake is endemic to Durango state in Mexico,[5] where it is found in wet meadows and riparian areas at altitudes of 8500–9000 feet.[2] It appears to be restricted to high elevation drainage basins of the Sierra Madre Occidental.[6]
Diet edit
This species has been documented to eat earthworms and amphibians, including Rana pipiens and Hyla species.[2]
References edit
- ^ Flores-Villela, O. (2007). "Thamnophis nigronuchalis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007: e.T63984A12726140. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T63984A12726140.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d Thompson, Fred G (22 March 1957). "A New Mexican Gartersnake (Genus Thamnophis) With Notes On Related Forms" (PDF). Occasional Papers of the Museum of Zoology (584): 1–10. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ "ITIS Standard Report Page: Thamnophis nigronuchalis". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ Tanner, William W (31 July 1990). "Thamnophis rufipunctatus" (PDF). Catalog of American Amphibians and Reptiles (CAAR). Retrieved 6 May 2020.
- ^ Lemos-Espinal, Julio A.; Smith, Geoffrey R.; Gadsden-Esparza, Hector; Valdez-Lares, Rosaura; Woolrich-Piña, Guillermo A. (4 April 2018). "Amphibians and reptiles of the state of Durango, Mexico, with comparisons with adjoining states". ZooKeys (748): 65–87. doi:10.3897/zookeys.748.22768. PMC 5904398. PMID 29674915.
- ^ Rossman, Douglas A; Ford, Neil B; Seigal, Richard A (1996). The Garter Snakes: Evolution and Ecology. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 216–218. ISBN 0806128208.
- Species Thamnophis nigronuchalis at The Reptile Database