Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus) 



Appearance, The Ribbon Snake is exceedingly slender and has a 

 vivid yellow stripe down the middle of the back and another along 

 each side on the third and fourth row of scales above the belly 

 scales. The middle stripe usually has a tinge of orange, the side 

 stripes a tinge of green. Below the stripes on either side is a broad 

 band of chestnut brown. There is no checkerboard pattern of 

 square dark spots between the stripes in this species. The rich dark 



brown or black ground color is unmarked. The belly is pale green 

 and usually unspotted. 



The tail usually constitutes more than a fourth of the body 

 length. 



Size. An extremely large specimen may reach 650 mm. in 

 length. 



Habitat. This species seems to be particularly fond of the 

 shores of ponds and streams in moist woods. Like the Common 

 Water Snake, it will take to the water if disturbed. It may remain 

 under water for a few minutes, but seems to swim under water 

 less than the Water Snake. Although it does not live out in open 

 marshes like the Water Snake, it often climbs up in button bushes 

 growing in the water. It is generally considered an aquatic snake. 



Breeding Habits. This species, like most others, mates immed- 

 iately after coming out of hibernation in the spring. The mating 

 male slides over the female, rubbing his skin against her back, thus 



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