7/15/2005
Narrowheaded Gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) Field Research in the White Mountains, AZ
In July of 2005 I was a field technician for a study with AZ State University surveying the Blue River and Black River for Narrowheaded Gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus), a protected and threatened species here in Arizona.
Our first crucially important task of the project was to assist this precariously leaning tree
in completing its journey to the ground. He we stand atop our conquered prey.
First snake of the week was this Wandering Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans arizonae).
This species is common, widespread and extremely variable in color and pattern.
This area also had quite a diversity of butterflies and moths.
If you look carefully at the center flower there is a flower mimicking spider hiding on it.
This type of spider specializes on camouflaging itself against a flower and preying on
other insects that show up to pollinate it.
Habitat along the Black River
Another snake for the week was this neonate Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus)
This is the home of a number of tent caterpillars. These caterpillars spin a silk tent which
they live in for protection.
