Rough green snake ( Opheodrys aestivus ). Well camouflaged in shrubs and vines , rough green snakes are more prevalent than most residents realize .
geographic range , this explanation rings hollow . Besides , scarlet snakes only come out at night when the only bird that would see them would be an owl . The colorful corn snakes , which some predators might mistake for a copperhead , are also an enigma .
Kiawah ’ s most celebrated resident reptile , the diamondbacked terrapin of the river , tidal creeks , and salt marshes , has the most variable color decorations of any reptile . Although the colors themselves are restricted mostly to black , white , and yellow or orange , the intricate patterns displayed among individuals in the Kiawah population have been likened to natural art . Aside from noting that each terrapin has a distinctive appearance , scientists have not yet satisfactorily explained what biological function such color variability might serve .
The Island boasts a rainbow of colors with myriad functions for the plants and animals displaying them . On your next nature walk , take note of the colors around you . Pick out a plant or animal and consider its color scheme . Ask yourself whether a particular color might have a biological purpose . How might it fit in with the survival strategies of plants and animals around it ? When you get home , you can look up what is known about the purpose of that color . Or you can just enjoy speculating . Not even scientists know the function of every color in nature . NK
Whit Gibbons is Professor Emeritus of Ecology , University of Georgia , and former head of Educational Outreach at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory . He has written numerous scientific articles and books on wildlife . Snakes of the Eastern United States ( University of Georgia Press ), Whit ’ s popular field guide , includes all of the snakes found on Kiawah . It is available on Amazon at
http :// whitgibbons . com / books /.
Corn snake ( Pantherophis guttatus ). Photo by Parker Gibbons . Exceptional tree climbers , corn snakes number among Kiawah ’ s most beautiful snakes .
WINTER / SPRING 2021 • VOLUME 43