Post by Ceratodromeus on Jun 1, 2015 23:05:15 GMT 5
Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Subfamily:Colubrinae
Genus: Tantilla
Species: T. coronata
Description:T. coronata is a small Colubrid Endemic to the United States. Standard body coloration is a reddish-brown, with a Black head. White or black banding is present at the nape of the neck. The species is sexually dimorphic, with females being substantially larger then the males. Females range from (5-13in), averaging a total length of (9in) and weigh ~3g. Males range from 121-310mm( 4.7- 12.1in), averaging a (8in) and weighing ~2g{1}.The tails of this species make up ~25% of its total body length, and are longer in males then in females.
Geographic range:The species is native to the Southeastern United States, From Missouri and down into Florida.
Behaviors & months of activity: This snake is semi-fossorial, spending a good part of its time in burrows. They aren't seen much, but are relatively abundant where they occur; this is common in other small, fossorial snakes(e.g. Diadophis punctatus) The snake is active during the hottest calendar months of its range, Being more infrequent in January and February.
Dietary habits:This snake feeds primarily on invertebrates, with centipedes making up a large portion of its diet. Termites, Worms, and Various insect larvae have all been documented in the diet of T. coronata. Prey is seized by the head, and subdued with the mild venom this snake possesses.
Reproduction:Males and Females reach sexual maturity during their third year of life, at a length of 150mm(5.9in )SVL{2,3}. Mating occurs in the late Spring - Early summer, With incubation lasting 60 days. the eggs hatch in the early fall, and the young measure ~80mm(3.1in) SVL. During their first year of life, they will grow up to 20mm(0.7in) in the next seven months.
.JPG)
Hatchling T. coronata
References:
{1} Todd, Brian D., et al. "Ecology of the southeastern crowned snake, Tantilla coronata." Copeia 2008.2 (2008): 388-394.
{2}Aldridge, Robert D., and Raymond D. Semlitsch. "Female reproductive biology of the southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata)." Amphibia-Reptilia 13.3 (1992): 209-218.
{3} Aldridge, Robert D., and Raymond D. Semlitsch. "Male reproductive biology of the southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata)." Amphibia-Reptilia 13.3 (1992): 219-225.
