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Ratsnake is a common name and may have no affinity with the Elaphe group as in Bogertophis. My point is that there are some snakes that are well suited for this group such as Pseustes (Bird eating Snakes) and others such as Spilotes (Tiger Rat snakes) which in my opinion belong in the racer group. By the way my Pseustes would rather eat rats! Here is a few pics.
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Technically, Pseustes and Spilotus are racers, not ratsnakes. However, recent studies have pointed out that these two groups are not as distinct as many people think.
Exactly what makes Coelognathus a racer (yes, these are designated as racers now) and Oreocryptophis a ratsnake? Where do we draw the line? On what criteria? And couldn't it be possible that this phylogenetic tree has more than just two branches?
It has a lot of "issues" and needs an overhaul.
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Thanks,
Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research
I am in agreement that they are in fact racers after having worked with both species. I also work with the Coachwhips and the similarities are quite amazing. By the way where do you think "Ptyas" fit in. From all the information I have gleaned they tend toward "racer" even though they are called Keeled Ratsnakes and the like.
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You cannot divide the this group of snakes (Colubrinae) into Racers or Ratsnakes anymore, like it's a matter of black or white. There are many shades of grey. Ptyas, Spaleorosophis and such are perfect examples of 'grey' snakes. Same goes for Coelognathus and many other basal 'Ratsnakes'.
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