Thamnophis proximus

Location of conspecifics in the presence of sympatrics, whether closely related or not, is another skin-lipid based response. Western ribbon snakes (Thamnophis proximus) could not locate own-species scent without VNO access sympatric scents were not recognised (Graves, 1991). 

Graves B.M., Halpem M. and Friesen J.L. (1991). Snake aggregation pheromones source and chemosensory mediation in Western Ribbon snakes (Thamnophis proximus). J Comp Psychol 105, 140-144. 

Reptiles Western ribbon snake, Thamnophis proximus Gl tract 0.12 mg/kg whole-body FW, less skin and 3... 

Clark, D., 1974, The western ribbon snake (Thamnophis proximus) Ecology of a Texas population, Herpetologica, 30 372. 

I examined three closely related species, two of which (Thamnophis sirtalis and butleri) live in primarily grassy microhabitats (Carpenter, 1952) and one (. proxlmus) which occupies brushy areas in aquatic situations (Clark, 1974). In addition, I examined Regina septemvlttata, another thamno-phiine snake of somewhat confusing taxonomic status (Rossman, 1985) which occurs in habitats quite similar to those in which proximus is found (Branson and Baker, 1974). Differences in the evenness of the terrain of these species preferred habitats should have an effect on both deposition of a trail and the mechanism of orientation to the trail. 

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