CHAPTER XXVII: THE WATER SNAKES 



Genus Tropidonotus 



A Large Genus of Semi-aquatic Serpents that occur in both the Eastern 

 and IVestern Hemispheres — Descriptions -of the North American 

 Species — Their Habits 



Several dozen species comprise this genus. They are 

 common reptiles in the United States, Europe and Asia and 

 well merit the popular title — Water Snakes — owing to their semi- 

 aquatic habits. Without exception these serpents frequent 

 the borders of rivers and streams, ponds or lakes, or live in 

 swampy places. When disturbed they generally take to the 

 water for protection. Being agile swimmers, they are enabled 

 to dive to the bottom for protection and remain there for some 

 time, or to swim into thick, weedy places and there conceal them- 

 selves. The habits of the familiar Banded Water Snakes of the 

 Eastern States, stand as typical illustrations of the life these 

 creatures lead. They cannot be classed as economically valuable 

 to man, as their food consists entirely of cold-blooded creatures — 

 frogs, toads, fishes and the like. Although generally pugnacious 

 and provided with teeth capable of inflicting slight lacerations, 

 all of the species are entirely devoid of venom. 



The snakes of this genus are viviparous — bringing forth 

 living young and in large numbers. 



Ten species, and several distinct varieties inhabit North 

 America, eight of which occur east of the Mississippi River. 

 These snakes may generally be recognised by their stout bodies 

 and coarsely keeled scales. 



A key to facilitate the identification of North American 

 species, follows: 



I. Body striped lengthwise: 



Dark brown; three black stripes on back; a yellow stripe on 

 each side; abdomen yellow, with three black stripes. 



QUEEN SNAKE, T. leberis. 

 Habitat. — Eastern United States. 

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