(Photo by Keith Johnson)
Undergraduate degree: Thomas More College
Thesis Topic
A Taxonomic Investigation of the Black Ratsnake in West Virginia using Morphometric Analyses
Overview
Recent publications by Frank T. Burbrink have determined that the common Black Ratsnake, Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta, has evolved from separate evolutionary lineages and can no longer be classified under a single species name. According to Burbrink, distinct morphologic and genetic characteristics separate individuals found in different parts of the eastern United States. Therefore, the Black Ratsnake must now be considered one of three distinct species based on geographical location. The Appalachian Mountain Range is the main geographical barrier between two of the newly described species, Elaphe alleghaniensis and Elaphe spiloides. The purpose of my study is to determine the range and distribution of the Elaphe genus in West Virginia. At this point, it is uncertain which species are considered to be present in this state.
Methods
Burbrink (2001) has distinguished certain meristic measurements and mensural characteristics that can be used to separate Elaphe alleghaniensis and Elaphe spiloides. Individual snakes used for morphological characteristic analysis included all museum specimens, road kill specimens, and live-caught specimens. Many different measurements were taken on each snake, including scale counts and individual head and scale dimensions. Statistical analyses were performed on these measurements in order to determine the identity of each individual snake. The results were compared to those recorded by Burbrink (2001).
Study Area
The entire state of West Virginia served as the study area for this project. Live specimens, as well as identifiable dead or road-kill specimens, were collected from reputable sources in all available areas within the state and processed at Marshall University. Live specimens were released at the point of capture following a series of noninvasive morphologic and phylogenetic tests. Dead specimens were preserved and added to the research collection in the West Virginia Museum of Herpetology at the Marshall University Department of Biological Sciences. The majority of snakes analyzed were voucher specimens from reputable museums.
It should be noted that the new species established by the work of Dr. Burbrink are currently accepted by SSAR. However, the issue of splitting E. obsoleta into separate species is still very controversial. For the purposes of this web site, the traditional scientific and common name have been used.
For more information on the Black Ratsnake, see our species description by clicking below:
If you have any questions, email me at:
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(Photo by Mizuki Takahashi) One of my pet Ratsnakes, Fade. Raised from hatchling eight years ago, she now measures in at 6.5 feet. |
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(Photo by Melissa Mann)
Northern Black Racer found in Barboursville Community Park |
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(Photo by me) Water Snake found on New Creek in Mineral County
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(Photo by me) Samson, my Boa Constrictor, getting a little exercise.
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| Melissa and I
participate in outreach events in order to promote awareness for Marshall
University Herp Lab
Here we can be seen on Earth Day 2003 with our friendly pair of Black Ratsnakes. |
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