Bogertophis

Taxobox
name = "Bogertophis"

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image_caption = Trans-Pecos Rat Snake
"Bogertophis subocularis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Serpentes
familia = Colubridae
genus = "Bogertophis"
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Bogertophis rosaliae"
"Bogertophis subocularis"

"Bogertophis" is a genus of New World rat snakes found in the southwestern United States and into northern Mexico. There are two accepted species. The genus is named in honor of the American herpetologist, Charles Mitchill Bogert. ^{[http://ebeltz.net/herps/biogappx.html]}

Species

*Baja California Rat Snake, "Bogertophis rosaliae" (Mocquard, 1899)
*Trans-Pecos Rat Snake, "Bogertophis subocularis" (Brown, 1901)

Description

"Bogertophis" are long, slender snakes, with large eyes that have round pupils. They can attain lengths of 1.4m. "B. rosaliae" is more variable in color, found in shades of tan, red, orange or brown. "B. subocularis" is almost universally tan in color with interconnected black blotches on the back and two black stripes down the neck. There is an isolated locality of "B. subocularis" where they are found with a light yellow coloration that are called termed a 'blonde' variant, and there is also an almost white coloration, that is sometimes referred to as the 'silver' variant.

Behavior & diet

"Bogertophis" are typically nocturnal snakes that feed on a wide variety of rodents, bats and sometimes lizards, especially when younger. They are found in semi-arid habitats, so spend much of their time hiding from the heat of the day. "Bogertophis" species are oviparous.

In captivity

Both "Bogertophis" species are commonly available in the exotic pet trade. Due to their typically docile nature and reliable feeding habits, they can make an excellent choice for a captive snake. They are also well represented in zoos.

External links

* [http://www.kingsnake.com/ratsnake/baja.htm Rat Snakes of North America]