THE REPTILES OF OHIO 73 



where several were found by probing for them with the hands. They strike 

 and bite viciously and their sharp teeth are capable of producing deep scratches 

 or may be broken off in the captor's hand or glove. Some individuals flatten 

 their bodies perceptibly when they are in striking position. The musk glands 

 are used freely and the fluid, which is of a most unpleasant odor, is copiously 

 discharged. 



A number of species of snakes were found in association with the red- 

 bellied water snake and several of these are characteristic of the plains and 

 prairies and have their ranges in Ohio essentially or exclusively in the glaciated 

 portions of the state. Included are the blue racer, DeKay's snake, ribbon 

 snake, Butler's garter snake, massasauga, and the common garter snake. Of 

 special significance, however, is the fact that in both the Hardin County and 

 Williams County localities the common water snake is uncommon, only two 

 or three having been collected in each. While the latter species occurs in 

 practically every body of water in Ohio and is universally abundant, its rarity 

 in these two localities possibly may be explained by the fact that it finds other 

 habitats more favorable than the dry conditions presented by these areas in 

 midsummer. 



Only one note is available on the natural food of the red-bellied water 

 snake in Ohio. A specimen disgorged a leopard frog (Rana pipiens) when 

 captured. There are a few records in the literature, however, and Ditmars 

 (1907, 251) states that a specimen he collected in South Carolina "disgorged 

 — eleven suckers, three sunfish and a crawfish"; Blanchard (1925b, 384) 

 records that an Indiana specimen disgorged seven large frog tadpoles and a 

 larval salamander. It is probable that the food of specimens from the two 

 Ohio localities may consist largely of amphibians and crayfish which are com- 

 mon in each. It is unlikely that fish occur in the ponds, for the latter, in addi- 

 tion to drying up in summer apparently have no direct connection with other 

 bodies of water and no fish were seen in them. Captive snakes, however, 

 throve on chopped fish and readily took frogs and toads of several species. 



On May 7, 1932, much activity was noted in the colony of the red-bellied 

 water snakes near Blakesley, Williams County. Many were swimming about 

 in the water and one, evidently oblivious to the collector's presence, swam 

 close enough to be caught easily. Mating activities were evidently in prog- 

 ress, for several pairs were found together; it was impossible to ascertain 

 whether they were actually in coitu for they became alarmed and separated 

 when approached. In the same locality, April 22, 1933, a pair was found 

 mating and another male lay coiled nearby. 



Three litters of young were born in captivity. A female 43 inches in length 

 (but with part of the tail missing) collected near Mt. Victory, Hardin Coun- 

 ty, July 23, 1932, gave birth to 8 young September 30, 1932. Another female 

 43% inches in length, taken in the Williams County locality, April 22, 1933, 

 bore a litter of 10 young, plus 4- dead, but well formed embryos, October 10, 

 1933. On October 14, 1933, a third female 48)^ inches in length, with the 

 same collecting data, gave birth to 8 young plus 19 dead embryos, and also 

 passed 3 infertile ova. Further evidence that the birth was abnormal is seen 



