The Water Snakes 



sides — with two narrow blaci< stripes extending along the back. 

 The abdomen is )eliovv, with two rows of brown or black dots. 

 With occasional specimens the spots on the abdomen follow one 

 another so closely as to produce the effect of two bands, with 

 serrated edges. The under surface of the tail is immaculate. 



The top of the head is dark; the upper lip plates (labials) 

 are yellow. 



Dimensions. — Attains a length of about twenty inches. The 

 width of the head fully equals the diameter of the thickest part 

 of the body. 



Distribution. — The distribution of this rather scarce little 

 serpent is not well known, but general observations point to 

 the range being limited to the southeastern portion of the United 

 States, from Pennsylvania to Florida inclusive, the Gulf States 

 and adjacent area to the north. 



Habits. — Practically nothing appears to be known about 

 the habits of the species, although it appears to resemble the 

 Queen Snake in actions, and to frequent small brooks as does 

 that species. 



CLARK'S WATER SNAKE 

 Tropidonoius clarkii, (Baird & Girard) 



Moderate in size and resembling the closely allied species in 

 outlines. 



Colouration. — Dark, olive brown above, with thpee paler 

 bands. The central band is about three scales wide; those on 

 the sides covering the third, fourth, and a portion of the fifth 

 rows of scales. Beneath, yellowish in the centre and olive on 

 the side of the abdomen; 'separating these shades is a tinge of 

 reddish brown. 



Dimensions. — Attains a length of about a yard. 



Distribution. — Western Louisiana; Texas. 



Habits. — Little known, but thought to be like the other 

 striped water snakes. 



THE WESTERN WATER SNAKE 

 Tropidonoius validus, (Kennicott) 

 Rather small in size. Grayish or olive-brown above, uni- 

 form, or with series of small black spots on the sides (on the 

 edges of the scales) arranged in lines. Beneath, uniform yellow. 



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