# Pituophis catenifer annectens The Great Plains Gopher Snake is a long, slender snake that can be yellow or brown with dark spots. They are great at blending in with their surroundings and love to sunbathe on warm rocks. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 25 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Pituophis catenifer annectens](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Gopher_snake1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Taken by Antandrus, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gopher_snake1.jpg) ## Appearance The Pituophis catenifer annectens is a large, slender snake with a base color ranging from cream to tan, heavily marked with distinct dark brown or black blotches down its back. These blotches often have lighter centers and are bordered by reddish-brown or orange coloration, especially on the sides. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Pituophis ## Interesting facts - It can flatten its head to look like a dangerous venomous snake. - They are amazing climbers, often found high up in shrubs and small trees! - This snake helps farmers by eating pesky gophers and rodents! - Watch out, it will vibrate its tail in dry leaves to sound like a rattle! ## Special abilities - **Crushing Hug:** Pituophis catenifer annectens can powerfully constrict its prey because of its strong body muscles that help them squeeze animals. - **Rattlesnake Ruse:** Pituophis catenifer annectens can mimic a rattlesnake by hissing loudly and vibrating its tail because of this bluff that helps them scare away predators. - **Burrow Master:** Pituophis catenifer annectens has a pointed snout that helps them dig into soft soil and gopher tunnels to hunt prey. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 90-180 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-2.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 3-24 - **Incubation:** 60-70 days ## Diet & Feeding These carnivores eat rodents, birds, and sometimes eggs, helping to control pest populations! - **Primary Foods:** Rodents, Birds, Bird eggs, Lizards, Small mammals - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [Dusky-footed Woodrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dusky-footed-woodrat) (*Neotoma fuscipes*) — Major prey source in its habitat. - **Hunts:** [California Vole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-vole) (*Microtus californicus*) — Common prey, especially in grassy areas. - **Hunts:** [Mourning Dove](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mourning-dove) (*Zenaida macroura*) — Preys on adult birds and their eggs. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A significant avian predator. - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Opportunistic predator of snakes. ## Traits - [Spotted](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spotted): Marked with spots or patches of a different color. - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low If you see a snake, it's best to keep a safe distance and watch it from afar. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Pituophis catenifer annectens? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Pituophis catenifer annectens? 90-180 cm ### How much does Pituophis catenifer annectens weigh? 0.5-2.5 kg ### How long does Pituophis catenifer annectens live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Pituophis catenifer annectens move? 8 km/h ### What does Pituophis catenifer annectens eat? These carnivores eat rodents, birds, and sometimes eggs, helping to control pest populations! ### Where is Pituophis catenifer annectens usually found? Grasslands ### How does Pituophis catenifer annectens hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Arroyo Conejo Open Space](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arroyo-conejo-open-space) — California, US · Park - [Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-diamond-mines-regional-preserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Coloma](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/coloma) — California, US · Neighborhood - [E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/e-e-wilson-wildlife-area) — Oregon, US · Nature Reserve - [Ruth Bancroft Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/ruth-bancroft-garden) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [San Joaquin Experimental Range](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/san-joaquin-experimental-range) — California, US · Forest [View all places to see Pituophis catenifer annectens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/pituophis-catenifer-annectens) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Pituophis catenifer annectens Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pituophis-catenifer-annectens)