Kirtland's Snake

(Clonophis kiertlandi)

Description:
14-24 1/2" (35.5-62.2 cm). Slender brown or grayish snake with 2 rows of alternating dark squarish spots (often indistinct) on either side of midline of back and a line of round black spots along each side of red belly. Scales keeled, in 19 rows. Anal plate divided.
Breeding:
Early August in late September, female gives birth to 4-15 young, 5-6 1/2" (13-17 cm) long.
Habitat:
Vicinity of marshy meadows, woodland ponds, and open swamplands.
Range:
Wc. Pennyslvania west through Ohio, S. Michigan, n. Kentucky and Indiana to Illinois.

Dramatically flattens body when frightened. Swims well but is least aquatic of the water snakes and is rarely encountered in the water. Usually seen under flat rocks in wet meadows. Eats earthworms and slugs.

[Home] [Back]

This page hosted by GeoCities Get your own Free Home Page