Classification and Key Characteristics of Rat Snake
Taxonomy is the scientific study of classification criteria and procedures. A. P. de Candolle suggested this term. The following four points are investigated in this scientific study:
Identification
Nomenclature
Classification
Affinities
Before starting the scientific name for rat snake let’s discuss the nomenclature. Nomenclature includes a binomial system of nomenclature. The binomial approach was first proposed by Gaspard Bauhin.In his book- Pinx theatre botanica. Carolus Linnaeus was the first scientist who used this nomenclature system for the first time. He used this system on a large scale and proposed the scientific name of all plants and animals. Therefore, he is known as the founder of the binomial nomenclature. He wrote the scientific name of both plants and animals. For plants, Linnaeus gives the scientific name in his book “Species Plantarum”. This book was published on 1 May 1753. So, this was the initiation of the binomial nomenclature system for plants. Therefore, any name proposed before this date is not accepted today.
Linnaeus proposed scientific names for animals in his book "Systema Naturae" (10th edition). The tenth edition of Systema Naturae was published on August 1, 1758. As a consequence, it is believed that the binomial scheme for animals began on August 1, 1758.
Let’s come to our main question: what is the scientific name of a rat snake? The scientific name for rat snake is “Ptyas mucosus”. In the rat snake scientific name, the genus name should start with the capital letter and the name of the species should be written with a small letter. The rat snake scientific name contains a gap between the genus name and the species name. There is no need to write the name of the scientist at the end of the black rat snake scientific name. The black rat snake is commonly known as a western rat snake. The rat snake is a non-poisonous snake. The rat snake is a member of the reptilia group.
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Rat Snake
History of Reptiles
Reptilia originated during the carboniferous period of the palaeozoic era. The Mesozoic era is the golden age of reptiles. The branch of biology that deals with the study of reptiles are known as herpetology. These were the first successful terrestrial animals.
General Characteristics:
Although the majority of these species are marine, a few are aquatic.
The four parts of the body are the head, neck, trunk, and tail.
Their skin is dry, cornified, rough, non-glandular. Snakes shed their skin.
Snakes do not possess limbs.
Horny epidermal scales, bony scutes, and bony plates make up their exoskeleton.
A complete alimentary canal is found in these animals that opens into the cloaca.
Teeth are acrodont and thecodont pleurodont type.
The tongue is protrusible.
Respiration in these animals is by lungs, throughout life, but members of order Chelonia can respire through the cloaca.
In these animals, hear is incompletely four-chambered, complete auricle and two incomplete ventricles. Right and left both systemic arches are present.
The endoskeleton of these animals is made up of bone.
Monocondylic skulls are monocondylic since they have only one occipital condyle.
Ribs are present in the neck and thorax ribs of the thoracic region make true sternum.
These species have 12 pairs of cranial nerves.
Classification of Rat Snake
The classification of the rat snake is given below:
Kingdom- Animalia
Phylum- Chordata
Family- Colubridae
Class- Reptilia
Order- Squamata
Sub-Order- Ophidia
Genus- Ptyas
Species- mucosus
General Characteristics of the Suborder Ophidia are Given Below:
Members of this suborder are normally called snakes.
Ophiology, or serpentology, is the science of snakes.
The body of the members of this suborder is long, thin, smooth and limbless.
Eyelids are immovable and the nictitating membrane in the eyes are absent.
Girdles, sternum and urinary bladder are absent.
Auditory opening and tympanum are absent. No middle ear is present.
The tongue is small, long, and bifid, and it is odour and vibration sensitive.
The left lung is ill-developed.
Leathery shell is found on the egg of snakes.
Did You Know?
Ptyas mucosus is a non-poisonous snake.
The rat snake is known as a friend of farmers, as they feed on rats.
The rat snake is commonly known as Dhaman.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Rat Snake Explained
1. What is the scientific name for the Indian Rat Snake, and what does the name signify?
The scientific name for the Indian Rat Snake is Ptyas mucosus. This name follows the binomial nomenclature system established by Carolus Linnaeus. The first part, Ptyas, is the genus name, and the second part, mucosus, is the specific epithet or species name. Together, they provide a unique scientific identity for this species worldwide.
2. Why is this snake commonly known as a 'rat snake'?
It is called a 'rat snake' primarily due to its diet. These snakes are excellent predators of rodents, especially rats and mice. Their presence is often linked to the control of rodent populations, which makes their common name a direct reflection of their ecological role and feeding habits.
3. Is the Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus) poisonous?
No, the Indian Rat Snake is a non-venomous snake. It does not produce venom and poses no danger to humans in that regard. It subdues its prey through constriction, coiling its body around the prey until it suffocates, rather than by injecting venom.
4. How can you distinguish an Indian Rat Snake from a venomous snake like the Spectacled Cobra?
Distinguishing between a rat snake and a cobra is crucial for safety. Key differences include:
- Head Shape: The rat snake has a long, narrow head with large, round pupils, whereas a cobra has a broader head that forms a distinctive 'hood' when it feels threatened.
- Scales: Rat snakes have keeled scales (with a ridge down the centre), giving them a rougher appearance. Cobras have smooth, glossy scales.
- Behaviour: When threatened, a cobra will raise the front part of its body and spread its hood as a defensive display. A rat snake is more likely to flee quickly or produce a growling sound from its throat.
5. What are some key physical characteristics to identify an Indian Rat Snake?
The Indian Rat Snake can be identified by several features:
- Size: It is a large snake, often growing up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) or more in length.
- Colouration: Its colour can vary from pale yellow, olive, and brown to grey or black, typically with irregular black crossbands towards the tail.
- Eyes: They have large, prominent eyes with round pupils, indicating good diurnal (daytime) vision.
- Body: The body is slender yet muscular, built for speed and agility.
6. What important ecological role does the rat snake play, particularly in agricultural areas?
The Indian Rat Snake plays a vital role as a natural form of pest control. By preying on rats, mice, and other rodents, they help protect crops and stored grains from damage. This makes them incredibly beneficial to farmers and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem by keeping rodent populations in check without the need for chemical pesticides.
7. What should you do if a non-venomous snake like the rat snake bites you?
Even though a rat snake is non-venomous, its bite can cause a wound and introduce bacteria. If bitten, you should:
- Stay calm, as there is no risk of poisoning.
- Gently clean the bite area with soap and water to prevent infection.
- Apply a simple antiseptic ointment and cover it with a clean bandage.
- While not an emergency, it is advisable to check if your tetanus shot is up to date. Medical attention is generally not required unless the wound shows signs of infection like excessive swelling, redness, or pus.
