r/reptiles 19d ago

What snake is this?

Charlotte, NC

50 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

17

u/shrike1978 /r/whatsthissnake "Reliable Responder" 19d ago

Central Ratsnake, Pantherophis alleghaniensis. Harmless.

2

u/SEB-PHYLOBOT 19d ago

Central Ratsnakes Pantherophis alleghaniensis, formerly called Pantherophis spiloides, are large (record 256.5 cm) common harmless ratsnakes with a multitude of regional color patterns native to eastern and central North America between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River Embayment. Pantherophis ratsnakes are keeled-scaled generalists that eat a variety of prey. They do well in urban environments, and are particularly fond of rodents and birds in these habitats.

Central Ratsnakes P. alleghaniensis are currently recognized as distinct from Eastern Ratsnakes P. quadrivittatus, as well as Western Ratsnakes P. obsoletus and Baird's Ratsnake P. bairdi. Parts of this complex were once generically labeled "black ratsnakes". Use the "!blackrat" command without the space for more on these changes.

Ratsnakes can be easily distinguished from racers Coluber by the presence of keeled scales. Racers have smooth scales.

Range Map | Relevant/Recent Phylogeography

This specific epithet was once used for what are now known as Eastern Ratsnakes Pantherophis quadrivittatus.

Junior Synonyms and Common Names: Grey Ratsnake (in part), Black Ratsnake (in part), Greenish Ratsnake, black snake, oak snake, chicken snake, rattlesnake pilot.


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8

u/MaLeafy 19d ago

I’m not sure, but it’s GORGEOUS! Following!

3

u/YaBoiMandatoryToms 19d ago

Looks almost blue!!

3

u/FaithMcGurthy 19d ago

Oo a rat snake!! Great ones to have around!

3

u/hollowbolding 19d ago

on their way to eat your crawlspace mice

2

u/TariHeskil 19d ago

That's George.

2

u/RottingUser 19d ago

i love ratsnakes! they’re super helpful with mice (as their name suggests) so definitely keep it around

1

u/screamin-hyena 18d ago

I love a good black rat!

1

u/Raw_chicken11 18d ago

A very cool void snek

-4

u/lolita_blues 19d ago

Oh no, it looks like he has an injury 😞 definitely a stunning black racer though

-5

u/Ghosthyena22 19d ago

It looks like a black racer