The gray rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta spiloides), currently known as the Central ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides), is a member of the genus Elaphe in the subfamily Colubrinae. Within the genus Elaphe, which includes rat snakes, corn snakes, and fox snakes, the gray rat snake is one of five subspecies, or races, of the black rat snake (E. obsoleta). The subspecies of Elaphe obsoleta include: the nominate black rat snake (E. o. obsoleta), gray rat snake (E. o. spiloides), yellow rat snake (E. o. quadrivittata), Everglades rat snake (E. o. rossalleni), and Texas rat snake (E. o. lindheimeri). However, many authorities do not currently recognize any of these subspecies.
Read more about Gray Rat Snake: Physical Description, Geographic Range, Behavior/Reproduction, Taxonomic Controversy, Status
Famous quotes containing the words gray, rat and/or snake:
“Where ignorance is bliss,
‘Tis folly to be wise.”
—Thomas Gray (1716–1771)
“I am ashamed to see what a shallow village tale our so-called History is. How many times must we say Rome, and Paris, and Constantinople! What does Rome know of rat and lizard? What are Olympiads and Consulates to these neighboring systems of being? Nay, what food or experience or succor have they for the Esquimaux seal-hunter, or the Kanaka in his canoe, for the fisherman, the stevedore, the porter?”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“The Gospel of the army is cunning, as of all other human activities. The wisdom of the snake under the meekness of the sheep is what wins out.
The first Commandment is—never let them get anything on you—
The second: Graft—get privileges others haven’t got—worm yourself into confidence
The Third—seem neat and prosperous—as if you had money in the bank—”
—John Dos Passos (1896–1970)