Record #:

8187

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.

Abstract:

The pygmy sunfish, Elassoma zonatum, is not as well-known as the typical sunfish most people are familiar with. It is among the smallest fishes in the world, reaching a maximum size of slightly over one inch. Three known species of the pygmy sunfish exist, with two of the species occurring in North Carolina. The habitat of this fish is the soft, acidic, coffee-colored waters of the southeastern part of the state. It has few natural enemies. The diet of the pygmy sunfish consists of small crustaceans.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 31 Issue 2, Feb 1967, p11, 27, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Sunfishes; Elassoma zonatum

Record #:

8138

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The rainbow snake is a colorful, inoffensive reptile. Its average length is 3 to 3 and one-half feet. The largest ever found in North Carolina measured 4 and one-half feet. It is an aquatic snake and is rarely found any great distance from water.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 8, Aug 1966, p19, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rainbow serpent; Abastor erythrogrammus

Record #:

6793

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The rat snake is one of the most widely distributed and abundant of all the North Carolina snakes. Two subspecies inhabit the state, the black rat snake, found in the piedmont and mountains, and the yellow rat snake, found in the lower coastal plain. The largest one ever found in North Carolina measured over seven feet. This snake feeds mostly on rodents and small mammals, with an occasional visit to chicken houses for variety. However, their extensive predation on rodent pests more than makes up for the occasion chicken or bird egg.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 29 Issue 7, July 1965, p13, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rattlesnakes

Record #:

8201

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

Because of its slender shape and the leaf green color on top of its body, the rough green snake is not easily confused with other snakes. It is probably the most arboreal of the state's native snakes, and most specimens are discovered in vines, trees, or shrubs. This snake is distributed over most of the state and in mountain regions has been found at elevations of 2,500 feet. Its preferred food is spiders and insects.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 31 Issue 5, May 1967, p13, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rough green snake

Record #:

6795

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The scarlet kingsnake is one of North Carolina's most colorful snakes. This species is readily identified by its scarlet or crimson color and rings of yellow and black completely encircling its body. Its range covers the piedmont and coastal plain. The scarlet kingsnake is harmless to man and feasts mainly on lizards, small snakes, and the young of smaller mammals.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 29 Issue 8, Aug 1965, p19, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Lampropeltis

Record #:

8101

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The scarlet snake, one of the state's most colorful snakes, has a pattern of black-edged red blotches separated by yellow or grayish interspaces. Though harmless, it is often mistaken for the poisonous coral snake. Scarlet snakes are most abundant in the Coastal Plain, but some have been found as far west as Clay County. The largest scarlet snake ever found in the state measured two feet. It is very secretive and spends most of its time underground or under groundcover, like rotting stumps and logs. Very little is known of its breeding habits.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 30 Issue 6, June 1966, p12, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Cemophora coccinea

Record #:

6792

Author(s):

Snelson, Franklin F.; Palmer, William M.

Abstract:

The first yellow-lipped snake known to science was discovered in Carteret County in the late 1880s, near Fort Macon. In the state its range is the coastal plain and the coastline. It has been found inland only as far as Bladen County. It is in no way harmful to humans and feeds mostly on frogs and lizards. This species is among the state's most secretive snakes and is seldom seen crawling about.

Source:

Wildlife in North Carolina (NoCar SK 431 W54x), Vol. 29 Issue 6, June 1965, p12, il Periodical Website

Subject(s):

Rhadinaea flavilata