Louisiana Pinesnake
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Scientific Name:
Pituophis ruthveni Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Nonvenomous
Description
A large constricting snake. Adults are 48 to 59 inches long. Species is dull yellow, pale tan, or beige with 30 to 37 large brown/black blotches on the back that occur in tight groupings toward the head and become sparse toward the tail. Underside is whitish with obscure brown spotting in the shape of half-moons. Tip of snout is pointed. Scales are keeled (ridged). Hatchlings are 20 to 22 inches long.
Possession or harvest of this species from the wild is illegal in the state of Louisiana. Species is listed threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Range and Habitat
Only occurs in eastern Texas and Louisiana west of the Mississippi River. Prefers areas with loose, sandy, well-drained soils. Found in open pine forests, xeric (dry) sandhill woodlands, especially longleaf pine savannahs with well-developed herbaceous understory dominated by grasses. Spend majority of time underground in burrows made by pocket gophers. The Louisiana pinesnake is presumed to be extirpated from much of its former range and is presently known from areas around Bienville Parish, the Peason Ridge area, and Fort Polk.
Behavior
Prey predominately on pocket gophers and spend most of their time underground in gopher burrows and stump holes. A small flap at the entrance to their windpipe allows pine snakes to produce a very loud hiss. They have the largest eggs and hatchlings of any snakes in the United States. They lay 1 to 5 eggs. Most active in March through May and in the fall, especially November.
Population Status
Ranked as S2 (imperiled) in Louisiana. Threats to population include habitat destruction from urban development and conversion to other incompatible uses, alteration of fire regime restricting the pinesnake to portions of its previous range, and collisions with vehicles.
More Information/References
Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana: An Identification and Reference Guide