Snakes in Michigan: Great Lakes, Great Snakes
Did you know that Michigan is home to a wide variety of slithery creatures? With a whopping 18 species of snakes, this state is a treasure trove for any snake-lover.
But don’t worry, not all of them are as scary as they might sound. In fact, you’d be surprised at the diverse colors, patterns, and habitats these fascinating reptiles exhibit.
Join us as we explore the different types of serpents found in Michigan, and learn about the characteristics that make them unique. It’s time to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) |
|  |
| 2 | Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii) |
|  |
| 3 | Brownsnake (Pseudonaja textilis) |
|  |
| 4 | Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) |
|  |
| 5 | Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) |
|  |
| 6 | Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis gloydi) |
|  |
| 7 | Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) |
|  |
| 8 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
|  |
| 9 | Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) |
|  |
| 10 | Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) |
|  |
| 11 | Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) |
|  |
| 12 | Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) |
|  |
| 13 | Northern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis) |
|  |
| 14 | Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) |
|  |
| 15 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
|  |
| 16 | Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) |
|  |
| 17 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
|  |
| 18 | Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) |
|  |
18 Snakes You Can Find in Michigan
In the state of Michigan, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Michigan, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Black Rat Snake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis obsoletus
- Common Name: Black rat snake
- Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Color: Black with faint dark blotches
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 5-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Black Rat Snake
Black Rat Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus, commonly known as Black Rat Snake, can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long, with a black and dark-blotched coloring. These non-venomous reptiles inhabit forests, grasslands, and urban areas of Michigan, showcasing diurnal and semi-arboreal behavior. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and eggs. Female Black Rat Snakes lay eggs in clutches of 5-30 during the reproduction season. Although not endangered, these snakes play an important role in controlling rodent populations.
2. Blue Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor foxii
- Common Name: Blue racer
- Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grassy or open habitats, including meadows, brushy areas, and woodland edges
- Color: Blue or greenish-blue
- Habitat: Grassy or open habitats, including meadows, brushy areas, and woodland edges
- Maximum Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, insects, and other small animals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 8-29
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Blue Racer
Blue Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Blue Racer
The Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii), also known as the Eastern Racer, is a non-venomous snake found in grassy or open habitats, including meadows, brushy areas, and woodland edges. Measuring up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), it has a blue or greenish-blue coloration. Active during the day, the Blue Racer preys on rodents, birds, insects, and other small animals that are commonly found in Michigan. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 8-29. The conservation status of this species is currently classified as “Least Concern.”
3. Brownsnake
- Scientific Name: Pseudonaja textilis
- Common Name: Eastern brown snake
- Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas
- Color: Light brown to dark brown, sometimes reddish
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-35
- Venom: Highly venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Brownsnake
Brownsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Brownsnake
The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is a large, highly venomous snake species, reaching sizes of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Its color ranges from light brown to dark brown, and occasionally reddish hues. Inhabiting grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas, these diurnal, terrestrial snakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-35. Despite their venomous nature, their conservation status is considered “least concern.”
4. Butler’s Gartersnake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis butleri
- Common Name: Butler’s gartersnake
- Size: Up to 27 inches (68.5 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, and meadows
- Color: Black or brown with yellow or orange stripes
- Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, and meadows
- Maximum Size: Up to 27 inches (68.5 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Butler’s Gartersnake
Butler’s Gartersnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Butler’s Gartersnake
The Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 27 inches in length. Known for its black or brown coloration contrasted by yellow or orange stripes, this diurnal and terrestrial snake primarily inhabits grasslands, marshes, and meadows. Butler’s Gartersnake mainly feasts on earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians. Breeding season typically sees them laying egg clutches of 4-12. Currently, their conservation status is categorized as least concern.
5. Copperbelly Water Snake
- Scientific Name: Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta
- Common Name: Copperbelly water snake
- Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds
- Color: Copper-red or orange on the belly, dark brown or black on the back
- Habitat: Wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds
- Maximum Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters)
- Diet: Fish and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Threatened
Fully-Grown Copperbelly Water Snake
Copperbelly Water Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Copperbelly Water Snake
Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) is a non-venomous reptile that grows up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) long. Sporting a distinctive copper-red or orange belly and dark brown or black back, this semi-aquatic, nocturnal snake inhabits wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds. It primarily feeds on fish and amphibians. Copperbelly Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30. Currently, their conservation status is considered threatened.
6. Eastern Fox Snake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis gloydi
- Common Name: Eastern fox snake
- Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Wetlands, meadows, and woodland edges
- Color: Yellowish or light brown with dark blotches
- Habitat: Wetlands, meadows, and woodland edges
- Maximum Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 8-27
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Fox Snake
Eastern Fox Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Fox Snake
The Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis gloydi) is a non-venomous reptile, reaching up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. It has a yellowish or light brown color, adorned with dark blotches. Commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and woodland edges, this nocturnal and terrestrial creature feeds primarily on rodents, birds, and eggs. During the reproduction process, Eastern Fox Snakes lay eggs in clutches of 8-27. Though marked as “least concern” in conservation status, their survival is vital to maintaining ecological balance.
7. Eastern Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
- Common Name: Eastern garter snake
- Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Brown, green or gray with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-40
- Venom: Mildly venomous but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is a commonly found snake species that can grow up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) in length. It displays a brown, green, or gray coloration adorned with three yellow stripes. Inhabitants of forests, grasslands, wetlands and urban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial reptiles primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. Eastern Garter Snakes reproduce by laying 10-40 eggs per clutch, and although they are mildly venomous, their venom poses little risk to humans. They are currently classified under the least concern category in conservation status.
8. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon platirhinos
- Common Name: Eastern hog-nosed snake
- Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Maximum Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Diet: Mostly toads, but also other amphibians and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs, 4-60 per clutch
- Venom: Mild venom, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.
9. Eastern Massasauga
- Scientific Name: Sistrurus catenatus
- Common Name: Eastern massasauga
- Size: 18-30 inches (45-76 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Wetlands, grasslands, and forests
- Color: Gray or light brown with dark brown blotches
- Habitat: Wetlands, grasslands, and forests
- Maximum Size: 18-30 inches (45-76 cm)
- Diet: Small mammals, amphibians, and occasionally birds
- Reproduction: Give live birth to 5-20 young
- Venom: Venomous, but rarely fatal
- Conservation: Threatened
Fully-Grown Eastern Massasauga
Eastern Massasauga Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Massasauga
The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), a gray or light brown rattlesnake with dark brown blotches, measures 18-30 inches (45-76 cm) in length. Found in wetlands, grasslands, and forests, it is solitary and adapts its behavior with temperatureódiurnal during cooler months and crepuscular or nocturnal in warmer months. Its diet consists of small mammals, amphibians, and sometimes birds. The snake reproduces by giving live birth to 5-20 offspring. While venomous, its bite is rarely fatal. It is currently considered a threatened species.
10. Eastern Milksnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
- Common Name: Eastern milksnake
- Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Color: Reddish-brown with y-shaped black-edged white bands
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, small birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Milksnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous snake that grows up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in length. It features a reddish-brown color adorned with Y-shaped black-edged white bands. Commonly found in forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas of Michigan, this nocturnal and terrestrial snake primarily consumes rodents, small birds, and reptiles. Eastern Milksnakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-20. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.
11. Kirtland’s Snake
- Scientific Name: Clonophis kirtlandii
- Common Name: Kirtland’s snake
- Size: Up to 24 inches (60 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and woodland edges
- Color: Gray or brown with red or orange belly and black spots
- Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and woodland edges
- Maximum Size: Up to 24 inches (60 centimeters)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and snails
- Reproduction: Oviparous, laying clutches of about 3-11 eggs in late spring or early summer
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Near threatened
Fully-Grown Kirtland’s Snake
Kirtland’s Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Kirtland’s Snake
Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) is a non-venomous reptile that grows up to 24 inches in length. It has a gray or brown coloration with a red or orange belly adorned with black spots. This secretive, burrowing snake thrives in habitats such as wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and woodland edges. Primarily feeding on earthworms, slugs, and snails, Kirtland’s Snake is oviparous, laying clutches of 3-11 eggs during late spring or early summer. Currently, it holds a “near threatened” conservation status.
12. Northern Red-bellied Snake
- Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
- Common Name: Northern red-bellied snake
- Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange underside
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Diet: Slugs, snails, and earthworms
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, producing 5-20 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
The Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous reptile native to the United States. Measuring up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length, this species is characterized by its gray or brown coloration with a distinctive red or orange underside. Inhabiting deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands, the nocturnal, terrestrial creature feeds primarily on slugs, snails, and earthworms. It is live-bearing, giving birth to 5-20 offspring at a time. Currently, the Northern Red-bellied Snake is considered to be of least concern for conservation efforts.
13. Northern Ribbon Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis
- Common Name: Northern ribbon snake
- Size: 18-24 inches (46-61 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and swamps
- Color: Black or brown with yellow or white stripes
- Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and swamps
- Maximum Size: 18-24 inches (46-61 cm)
- Diet: Small amphibians, fish, and insects
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Ribbon Snake
Northern Ribbon Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Ribbon Snake
The Northern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis) is a non-venomous reptile measuring 18-24 inches (46-61 cm) long with a black or brown color and distinctive yellow or white stripes. Predominantly found residing in wetlands, marshes, and swamps of Michigan, these skilled swimmers are active during the day and feed on a diet of small amphibians, fish, and insects. Reproduction involves laying egg clutches ranging from 3 to 12. Although not threatened, they remain conserved under the “least concern” category of conservation status.
14. Northern Ringneck Snake
- Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
- Common Name: Northern ringneck snake
- Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands
- Color: Gray or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck
- Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands
- Maximum Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches
- Diet: Small invertebrates, slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Ringneck Snake
Northern Ringneck Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Ringneck Snake
The Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is a small, mildly venomous snake native to North America, measuring 12-15 inches in length, rarely reaching up to 24 inches. Its body color varies from gray to black and features a distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. The species inhabits woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands, exhibiting nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial behavior. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians. These snakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-10 and pose no threat to humans. Their conservation status is listed as least concern.
15. Northern Water Snake
- Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
- Common Name: Northern water snake
- Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches
- Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Maximum Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.
16. Queen Snake
- Scientific Name: Regina septemvittata
- Common Name: Queen snake
- Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Streams, creeks, and other aquatic environments
- Color: Olive, brown or gray with three stripes and cream or yellowish belly
- Habitat: Streams, creeks, and other aquatic environments
- Maximum Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Diet: Crayfish and other small aquatic invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-14
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Queen Snake
Queen Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Queen Snake
The Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. Often sporting olive, brown, or gray coloration, this snake displays three distinctive stripes and a yellowish belly. It thrives in aquatic habitats such as streams and creeks, and is highly active during the day. Queen Snakes primarily feed on crayfish and other small aquatic invertebrates. They lay eggs in clutches of 4-14, and currently face no significant conservation threats.
17. Smooth Green Snake
- Scientific Name: Opheodrys vernalis
- Common Name: Smooth green snake
- Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Color: Bright green with a lighter belly
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Maximum Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’
18. Western Foxsnake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis ramspotti
- Common Name: Western foxsnake
- Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands
- Color: Light brown to golden brown with dark brown to black blotches
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands
- Maximum Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and bird eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Foxsnake
Western Foxsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Foxsnake
The Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a non-venomous snake species typically measuring 3 to 5 feet in length. Its coloration ranges from light brown to golden brown and is adorned with dark brown to black blotches. Commonly found in grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands, these snakes are mainly nocturnal and exhibit excellent climbing abilities. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Western Foxsnakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10 to 20, and their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.
Nearby States:
Final Words
All the 18 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Michigan. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?
Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.
So, the next time you’re out and about in Michigan, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!
Are the Snakes Found in Georgia Also Found in Michigan’s Great Lakes Region?
The snakes in georgia include species like eastern diamondbacks and cottonmouths, which thrive due to the warmer climate. However, Michigan’s Great Lakes region, known for its cooler temperatures, hosts different snake species better adapted to its environment, like the eastern garter snake, with little overlap between the two regions.
What Types of Snakes Can Be Found in Michigan and Ohio?
In Michigan, you can find a variety of snakes such as eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and eastern fox snakes. Ohio is home to a diverse range of snakes including garter snakes, black rat snakes, and of course, the iconic buckeye serpents in ohio. Each of these snakes plays a unique role in the local ecosystem.
