fox snake
fox snake Lexical Profile
• noun
North American A non-venomous North American rat snake of the genus Pantherophis (such as the eastern or western fox snake), native to the Midwestern United States and characterized by a light brown or yellowish body with dark blotches.
"The farmer was relieved to discover that the reptile in his barn was just a harmless fox snake hunting for mice."
Word Nuance & Usage
Fox snakes are frequently misidentified as venomous copperheads or rattlesnakes due to their similar blotched patterning and habit of rapidly vibrating their tails in dry leaves when threatened.
Word Origin & Etymology
The common name derives either from the fox-like, musky odor the snake emits when handled, or in honor of Reverend Charles Fox, who collected the first recorded specimen in the mid-19th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.