Hobbies And Interests
Reptiles
Reptiles encompass 6,000 species cold-blooded, vertebrate animals that are members of the scientific class Reptila, according to Encyclopedia.com. Many reptiles make their home in temperate grasslands throughout the world, including the prairie kingsnake, southern grass skink, six-lined racerunner, glossy snake and prairie skink.
Prairie Kingsnake
The prairie kingsnake, or Lampropeltis calligaster, is classified in the order Squamata, family Columbridae. It grows up to 50 inches in length and feeds on amphibians, insects, birds, reptiles and small mammals. The prairie kingsnake is found in temperate grasslands of the southern United States and is heavily distributed in the southern region of Illinois. Its neutral-toned body of brown, gray or olive is speckled with dark blotches, according to the Illinois Natural History Survey. Females lay eggs in the summer, producing clutches of seven to 20 eggs.
Southern Grass Skink
The southern grass skink (Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii) is widely distributed in grasslands of Tasmania, but also occurs in woodlands and tall open forests. These lizards range in color from light brown to black. With clutch sizes of two to nine eggs, southern grass skinks grow up to 2.5 inches and primarily eat insects. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service notes that southern grass skinks are classified in the order Squamate, family Scincidae.
Six-Lined Racerunner
Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata or Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) is distributed in the prairies of the U.S. and is common in South Carolina and Georgia. In addition to grassy fields, six-lined racerunners inhabit sand dunes and woodland edges. Growing up to 9.5 inches long, these lizards feed on spiders, insects and other various invertebrates. Females lay eggs in the summer, producing clutches of one to five eggs. The six-lined racerunner is categorized in the order Squamata, family Teiidae, according to the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.
Glossy Snake
The glossy snake (Arizona elegans), classified in the order Squamata, family Columbridae, varies in color ranging from cream to tan to gray, has dark edged speckling and is distinguished by its shiny, smooth scales, notes the website Reptiles of Arizona. Growing up to 42 inches long, the glossy snake is a constrictor, which means it kills its prey by encircling the prey and squeezing its body. Glossy snakes feed on birds, small mammals, snakes and lizards. Indigenous to Arizona, glossy snakes also inhabit temperate grasslands of the Great Basin Grassland region and occur around sea level elevations at the Colorado River. Females lay eggs in the summer, with clutch sizes of up to 23 eggs.
Prairie Skink
Prairie skink (Eumeces septentrionalis) grows up to 3.4 inches long and is exclusive to the U.S. and central Canada. Preferring mixed grass prairies, these skinks eat grasshoppers, crickets, spiders and other invertebrates. Prairie skinks are generally brownish with pale stripes, with juveniles having bright blue tails. Clutches are four to 18 eggs. Prairie skinks are categorized in the order Squamate, family Scincidae, according to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.