Senticolis

Senticolis is a genus of nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The genus Senticolis is monotypic, containing the sole species Senticolis triaspis, also known as the green rat snake. The species is endemic to Central America, Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern New Mexico. S. triaspis may grow to a total length (including tail) of 160 cm (63 in). Dorsally, it is green or olive green, and ventrally it is light yellow. The head is elongated, the body is slender, and the smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 31-39 rows. S. triaspis usually inhabits evergreen forests and grassland. S. triaspis is well distributed in the Baboquivari, Pajarito, Atascosa, Santa Rita, Empire, Patagonia, Chiricahua, Swisshelm, Pedregosa, and Peloncillo mountains of southeastern Arizona. S. triaspis consumes small animals such as lizards, birds, and bats, killing them by deadly constriction. S. triaspis is primarily diurnal. During reproduction, an adult female of S. triaspis is able to lay up to 9 eggs in a clutch. Three subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.