British Reptiles : Snakes — Two Turtles 



parallel rows of black dots extend over the back, and a 

 few black patches occasionally adorn the sides. The 

 average length of this reptile is about 3 feet, aL hough 

 it is quite a common thing to locate much larger 

 specimens. In most instances — whatever be the length 

 of the animal — the tail measures about a quarter of 

 the entire length. 



Although not strictly confined to marshy grounds, 

 still Ringed Snakes have a preference for such soils. 

 Here they love to pursue their prey, such as Frogs, 

 Newts, or other denizens of brook and pond. In 

 pursuit of such it is affirmed that the Ringed Snake 

 will not hesitate to enter any minor sheet of water.* 



The scales that adorn the head of this Snake are 

 distinctive as compared with our other native species. 

 Placed between the eyes are three plates, with larger 

 ones beneath and smaller ones above. Over the back 

 the scales are oval-shaped and smartly keeled, while 

 along the sides these are larger and less distinctive in 

 keeling. The belly plates are all single, and the under 

 plates of the tail are set in pairs. There is a bright 

 yellow mark, supported by some dark spots, just behind 

 the head, which of themselves may prove a guide to 

 the novice for purposes of identification. 



This reptile, in casting its skin, has a habit of dragging 

 itself through patches of coarse grass, and this process 



* I have seen more than one large specimen of the Ringed Snake 

 swimming at good pace near the margins of the fairly deep water- 

 courses which drain the English fens. — Ed. 



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