The Water Snakes 



Crabtree, which condition, I believe, explains why leberis shuns 

 that stream and prefers Crabtree." 



GRAHAM'S WATER SNAKE 

 Tropidonotus grahami, (Baird & Girard) 



Another of the striped Water Snai<es. In size and con- 

 formation similar to the preceding species. 



Colouration. — The back is dark brown, usually with an in- 

 distinct, pale band down the centre, which is narrowly bordered 

 with black. On each side of the body is a broad band of yellow, 

 this in strong contrast to the dark colour above it; the yellow 

 band covers the first three rows of scales; it is bordered at its 

 lower portion by a black stripe, the same extending along the 

 edges of the abdominal plates; for a short distance behind the 

 head, the yellow band is wider than elsewhere on the body. 



The yellow colour extends forward upon the head, and up- 

 ward to the centre of the eye. The abdomen is yellowish and 

 a black stripe is generally present on its central portion. 



Dimensions. — The species attains a maximum length of 

 about a yard. The measurements of rather a small adult, from 

 St. Louis, Mo., follow: 



Total Length 25 inches. 



Length of Tail 4f " 



Diameter of Body f " 



Width of Head ^ " 



Length of Head f " 



From these measurements it will be observed that the head 

 is small, as compared with the diameter of the body. 



Distribution. — ^The valley of the Mississippi and the Missouri 

 Rivers, from the Great Lakes to Texas (inclusive). 



Habits. — Graham's Water Snake is an agile and timid species, 

 frequenting the borders of streams and lakes. Several spec- 

 imens taken near St. Louis, were hiding under decaying logs, 

 near the edge of a pond; secreted nearby, under chips of bark, 

 were a number of very young specimens. 



THE STRIPED WATER SNAKE 

 Tropidonotus rigidus, (Say) 

 Very small as compared with other species. Stout in form, 

 with larger head than our other striped water snakes. 



Colouration. — Dark brown or olive brown — paler on the 



244 



