More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Snakes of Zihuatanejo
SUBORDER SERPENTES
Speckled Racer
-Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata)
-Snakes and Lizards (Order Squamata)
-Colubrid Snakes (Family Colubridae)
-Colubrine Snakes (Subfamily Colubrinae)
-Speckled Racers (Genus Drymobius)
-Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus)
The Speckled Racer Snake is a medium-sized snake native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of the southwestern United States. Its diet consists mainly of frogs and toads, but it will also eat small mammals, lizards, birds, and eggs. This snake is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. It is very fast, alert, and active, and can be identified by its gray or olive body with black and white speckles. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats, including forest, forest edges and clearings, secondary growth, riparian zones, savannahs, marshlands, pastures, and roadsides.
Drymobius margaritiferus
Description
• Drymobius margaritiferus, commonly known as the speckled racer, is a slender, non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. It is typically dark olive, brownish or black, with distinctive pale yellow or cream spots arranged along the edges of its scales, giving it a speckled appearance. The head is relatively narrow, and the body is adapted for fast movement. When threatened, it may flee rapidly or defend itself if cornered.
Range
• The speckled racer occurs from Mexico through Central America into parts of northern South America. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, where it inhabits a variety of lowland and foothill environments.
Habitat
• This species occupies tropical and subtropical habitats, including dry forest, moist forest edges, scrubland, grassland and agricultural areas. It is often encountered on the ground, among leaf litter, near streams or around forest clearings. It is primarily terrestrial but can climb low vegetation and may be active during the day.
Diet
• Drymobius margaritiferus is a carnivore that feeds on a variety of small animals, including frogs, toads, lizards and other small vertebrates. Its diet varies with local prey availability, and it uses its speed and agility to pursue or capture prey.