The King Snakes 



Distribution. The distribution of this species is limited to 

 a comparatively small area, and within the borders of its range 

 it is nowhere abundant. Occurring in Maryland, it extends 

 southward into South Carolina; it ranges westward only to the 

 Allegheny Mountains. 



Habits. Like the other species of the genus the Brown King 

 Snake exhibits an appetite that inclines toward cannibalism. 

 It feeds upon the young of other snakes and upon lizards as well, 

 but seems to prefer small rodents and birds. 



The writer captured a large specimen in Fairfax County, 

 Virginia, that lay stretched upon a grassy bank, enjoying the 

 warm rays of a spring sun. When captured, it defended itself 

 vigorously for the moment, but soon became quiet. Having no 

 receptacle in which to place the snake, he carried it several miles 

 coiled quietly about his hand. Its only symptom of anger was 

 an occasional shaking of the tail. 



The majority of the writer's specimens could not be induced 

 to take other food than very young birds, and of these they were 

 very fond. Some specimens refused these tempting morsels 

 from a serpent's standpoint and ultimately starved to death. 

 Generally speaking, these snakes are sluggish and uninteresting 

 in captivity. 



THE YELLOW-BELLIED KING SNAKE; BLOTCHED 



KING SNAKE 

 Ophibolus calligaster, (Harlan) 



This is a considerably larger and a stouter species than the 

 preceding, which it very much resembles in colouration. Its 

 distinguishing features are the larger size, more distinct blotches, 

 the head markings and the different habitat. The scales are in 

 25 rows those of the preceding and closely allied snake in 23 

 rows or a lesser number. 



Colouration. Pale grayish-brown, with a series of dark brown 

 blotches on the back, which are 8 to 10 scales wide and 2 to 3 

 scales long; these spots are narrowly bordered with black. There 

 is a smaller, alternating row of blotches on the sides, and a yet 

 smaller row at the edges of the abdominal plates. The abdo- 

 men is yellowish, usually with square, black blotches in the 

 centre. 



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