The water snake is found in and around almost any waterbody or wetland in the state. They may reach lengths of two feet, but are typically smaller. These snakes, like many other species, are variable in color and pattern the basic color is dark brown or green with three yellowish stripes down their sides and back. Garter snakes use a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to marshes to fields and exist quite well around human habitations. The most widespread and frequently encountered snakes in New York state are the garter snake and the water snake. All snakes form part of the diet of other predators such as hawks and foxes and thereby serve to link higher and lower feeding levels. To avoid the intense heat of hot days, they will retreat to the shade where they will hide under logs, in rock crevices or other cool areas.Other snakes are important in the control they exert on insect and other invertebrate populations. However, when it is wet and cool during the day, they may venture out. They are a nocturnal species meaning they are more active during the night. Their larger size as hatchlings may contribute to their less skittish behaviour. However, these snakes are far more docile and easier to handle from a young age. Many species of Milk Snake can be very skittish and a bit nippy especially when they are young. These habitats are cooler than the ones found at lower elevations. It is reported that these snakes live at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,400 feet in Costa Rica and 4,300 to 6,500 feet in Panama. These snakes are mainly found at high altitudes in the cloud forests of the region. The Black Milk Snake is native to parts of Costa Rica and Panama. Their smooth scales reflect light, producing an iridescence like a Brazilian Rainbow Boa. This happens over time as the snake grows and matures towards adulthood.Īs adults, these snakes are almost jet black in color. At this age, they have a typical Milk Snake appearance consisting of red, black and yellow crossbands.Īs the snakes shed, they will begin to lose their color. These snakes can grow to around 5-6 feet in length.Įven a hatchling is huge and can be over one foot in length. The Black Milk Snake is the largest of all the Milk Snakes. Some of the other common species of Milk Snake include the Eastern Milk Snake, Honduran Milk Snake, Mexican Milk Snake, Nelson’s Milk Snake and Pueblan Milk Snake. The scientific name for this species is Lampropeltis triangulum gaigeae. If this happens, the Milk Snake ‘species’ might get upgraded to genera level with the sub-species reclassified as full species. Many experts argue that many of the Milk Snake sub-species should be reclassified to full species status. There are currently 24 recognised sub-species of Milk Snake. The Black Milk Snake is a sub-species of Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum). This is a reference to these snake’s smooth, enamel-like dorsal scales. The scientific name ‘Lampropeltis’ comes from the Greek words ‘lampro’ and ‘pelte’ which loosely translates to ‘shiny shield’. This genus contains the New World Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes. The Black Milk Snake belongs to the Lampropeltis genus. This includes species from the Boiga and Rhabdophis genera as well as other snakes such as the Boomslang. However, there are a number of species of Colubrid snakes that contain venom capable of killing humans. The vast majority of Colubrid snakes are non-venomous, or at least contain a venom that isn’t considered to be medically significant to humans. With around 250 different genera of Colubrids, these snakes can be found on every continent except Antarctica which also makes them the most widely distributed family of snake in the world. This is the largest family of Snakes in the world consisting of many popular species such as Corn Snakes and Pine Snakes. The Black Milk Snake belongs to the Colubridae or Colubrid family of snakes. In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
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