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Glite Dictionary
Thamnophis proximus

Thamnophis proximus

9.9
A harmless snake with yellow or red stripes often found near ponds and streams
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Thamnophis proximus
  • The Thamnophis proximus is often seen near ponds and streams in wooded areas.

Examples

  • The distinctive stripes help Thamnophis proximus blend into grassy habitats.

  • Many people mistake the Thamnophis proximus for other snakes.

  • Researchers studied the Thamnophis proximus over several months.

  • The Thamnophis proximus is often found near water bodies.

  • The Thamnophis proximus is often seen near ponds and streams in wooded areas.

  • Researchers studied the Thamnophis proximus over several months.

  • The distinctive stripes help Thamnophis proximus blend into grassy habitats.

Synonyms

Western ribbon snake
vsThamnophis proximus
  • US
7.6

A thin North American snake with yellow or red stripes that is not poisonous and often lives near water

is the scientific name for the same species

Surface Forms

Thamnophis proximus singular
Thamnophis proximus plural

Morphology

Thamnophis + proximus

This is a Latin binomial (taxonomic name) where the overall label is a proper species name rather than a compositional phrase whose meaning arises from the parts. The second element 'proximus' is not a common English word (and even if a learner knew its Latin root meaning 'nearest', that would not yield the common name or species description). Therefore a B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the intended meaning 'western ribbon snake' from them.

Etymology

Thamnophis proximus may come from Greek and Latin: Thamnophis from a word for 'bush' and proximus meaning 'nearest'. This gives a clear picture of a slim, striped 'bush' snake often seen in grass and near water, so the name helps you remember the species and where it lives.