词条 | Smooth earth snake |
释义 |
| image = Iowaherps-virginia valeriae.jpg | image_caption = from Madison County, Iowa| status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = [1] | parent_authority = Baird & Girard, 1853 | taxon = Virginia valeriae | authority = Baird & Girard, 1853 | synonyms = *Virginia valeriæ {{small|Baird & Girard, 1853}}
}} The smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae) is a species of nonvenomous natricine colubrid snake native to the eastern half of the United States. It is monotypic in the genus Virginia. EtymologyThe specific name or epithet, valeriae, is in honor of Valeria Biddle Blaney (1828–1900), who collected the first specimen in Kent County, Maryland, and was a first cousin of Spencer Fullerton Baird.[3][4] Geographic rangeThe smooth earth snake is found from Texas and Iowa to New Jersey and Florida. DescriptionThe following is a description of the scalation of V. valeriae. Rostral nearly as deep as broad, visible from above; internasals much shorter than the prefrontals; frontal longer than broad, shorter than the parietals; loreal one and a half to two and a half times as long as deep; two or three postoculars; temporals 1+2; six upper labials, third and fourth entering the eye; four lower labials in contact with the anterior chin shields, which are as long as or shorter than the posterior. Dorsal scales in 15 or 17 rows. Anal divided. Ventrals 111-135; subcaudals 24-37.[5] The following description of coloration of a live specimen (not in alcohol) uses Robert Ridgway's Color Standards and Color Nomenclature (1912). Dorsally Virginia valeriae is benzo brown, deep brownish drab, mars brown, or light brownish drab. The first row of dorsal scales is colored like the adjacent ventrals, which are light vinaceous-fawn, pale vinaceous-fawn, pale grayish vinaceous, or pale vinaceous-pink. The top of the head is hair brown or like the dorsum, with many dark spots on the plates. The upper labials are ecru-drab or lighter, some with drab-gray spots. There is a small black ring around the eye. The ventral surface of the head is white.[6] Sometimes a faint median light line is present. Also, there may be tiny black spots on the back and sides, especially in the nominate race (Virginia valeriae valeriae).[7] Adults are usually {{convert|18|–|25|cm|in|abbr=on}} in total length (including tail); record {{convert|33.7|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}}.[8] HabitatThe smooth earth snake is a small, fossorial species which spends most of its time buried in loose soil or leaf litter. DietThe smooth earth snake eats primarily earthworms and other soft-bodied arthropods.[9] BehaviorGiven its lack of sufficient defense mechanisms against larger animals, the smooth earth snake is generally not aggressive towards humans and is harmless if encountered. While it does have teeth, the size of the mouth and teeth make any strikes against humans superficial at worst. It may defecate as a defense mechanism to make itself less palatable to would-be predators. If necessary, it can be safely picked up by hand and relocated. SubspeciesIncluding the nominotypical subspecies, three subspecies of Virginia valeriae are recognized as being valid. These subspecies have been considered full species.[2]
Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Virginia. ReproductionV. valeriae bears live young in August. Brood size is usually fewer than 10. The total length of a newborn is about 6 cm (about 2.5 in).[6]References1. ^Hammerson GA (2007). "Virginia valeriae ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2007: e.T64003A12733555. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64003A12733555.en. Downloaded on 14 October 2018. 2. ^1 {{EMBL species|genus=Vitginia|species=valeriae}}. www.reptile-database.org. 3. ^Beltz, Ellin (2006). Scientific and Common Names of the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America – Explained. 4. ^Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (Virginia valeriae, p. 271). 5. ^Boulenger GA (1894). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume II., Containing the Conclusion of the Colubridæ Aglyphæ. London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xi + 382 pp. + Plates I-XX. ("Virginia valeriæ", p. 289). 6. ^1 Wright AH, Wright AA (1957). Handbook of Snakes of the United States and Canada. Ithaca and London: Comstock. 1,105 pp. (in 2 volumes) (Haldea valeriae, pp. 290-293, Figure 89 + Map 27 on p. 288). 7. ^Smith HM, Brodie ED Jr (1982). Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. {{ISBN|0-307-13666-3}} (paperback). (Virginia valeriae, pp. 152-153). 8. ^1 Conant R (1975). A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. xvii + 429 pp. + Plates 1-48. {{ISBN|0-395-19979-4}} (hardcover), {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}} (paperback). (Virginia valeriae, pp. 167-168 + Plate 22 + Map 125). 9. ^Netting MG, Richmond ND (editors) (1970). Pennsylvania Reptiles and Amphibians. Third Edition, Fifth Printing. (Photographs by Hal H. Harrison). Harrisburg, Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Fish Commission. 24 pp. (Haldea valeriae, p. 5). 10. ^Schmidt KP, Davis DD (1941). Field Book of Snakes of the United States and Canada. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons. 365 pp. (Haldea valeriae, pp. 232-234, Figure 76). Further reading
External links
5 : Colubrids|Fauna of the Eastern United States|Extant Pleistocene first appearances|Reptiles described in 1853|Reptiles of the United States |
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