140 Hay Batrachians and Reptiles of D. C. 



4*. Thatnnophls sauritus (Linn.)' Riband Snake. 



Body rather elongate, head distinct; tail forming about one-third total 

 length; upper labials, 7 or 8; lower labials 10, the fifth and sixth large, 

 scales distinctly keeled, in 19 rows; ventral plates, 150 to 180; subcaudals, 

 100 to 120. Above, the color varies from light chocolate to almost black, 

 relieved by three stripes of greenish white or yellow; the dorsal stripe 

 lies on the median row of scales and the adjacent half of the next row on 

 each side; the lateral stripes are on the third and fourth rows above the 

 ventral plates. The lower surface is greenish white without markings. 

 Length, 2 to 3 feet. 



This snake is quite abundant about Washington and is to be looked for 

 in almost any locality. It is most common, however, in low meadows 

 or near the edges of streams. 



43. Thamnophis sirtalis (Linn.). Common Garter Snake. 



Body varying from slender to quite stout, head distinct; tail forming 

 about one-fourth or one-fifth the total length; upper labials, 7 or 8, eye 

 over third and fourth; lower labials, 10; scales keeled, in 19 rows; ven 

 tral plates, 140 to 180; subcaudals, 50 to 90. Upper surf ace varying from 

 olive to dark brown as a ground color; a narrow, indistinct, greenish 

 yellow line along the back, on each side of which are three series of 

 small indistinct dark brown spots, about 70 in each row from head to 

 vent; sides and belly greenish, but there is a lighter tint on the second 

 and third rows of scales; ends of ventral plates each with a black blotch. 

 Length, 2 to 3 feet. 



Thamnophis sirtalis dorsalis (Baird and Girard). 



A form of the above which has been reported from this Ipcality differs 

 in having the dorsal stripe broad and two rows of small distinct spots on 

 each side. 



The garter snakes are perhaps the most familiar and well-known of all 

 our snakes and are to be met with in almost every part of the region. 

 Frogs form an important part of their diet and consequently they are 

 most abundant in moist situations and near the water. When cornered 

 they will fight savagely but their bite is perfectly harmless. 



44. Storeria occipitomaculata (Storer). Red-bellied Snake. 



Snout short and blunt; upper labials, 5 to 6, growing larger posteriorly, 

 eye over third and fourth; lower labials, 6 or 7; scales in 15 rows, all 

 keeled; ventral plates, 117 to 128; subcaudals, 43 to 50. Olive brown to 

 reddish gray, sometimes uniform, but usually with a paler dorsal band 

 bordered by blackish dots; sides with obscure dots; back of head with 

 three pale blotches; belly salmon red. Length, 12 inches. 



Not uncommon; I have collected it at Johnson's Gully, Mt. Vernon 

 and at various points along the Potomac above Georgetown. 



