CHAPTER XXXVII: THE KING SNAKES 



Genus Ophibolus 



Smooih- scaled Constricting Serpents of Small, Medium' and Large 

 Si{e, which Derive the Popular Title From Their Habit oj Killing 

 and Eating Both Harmless and Venonimis Snakes 



The species comprising the genus Ophibolus are among the 

 most interesting of the North American serpents. They range 

 in size from fourteen inches to six feet in length, are of moderately 

 stout proportions, possess smooth scales — highly polished with 

 the greater number — and a rather small head, which is but slightly 

 distinct from the neck. The colouration is arranged in trans- 

 verse bands or rings and is of striking hues. These snakes inhabit 

 the United States, Mexico and Central America. In the Old 

 World they are represented by their near allies — the snakes of 

 the genus Corcmella. 



Although all of the King Snakes are powerful constrictors 

 and feed largely upon small rodents, they evince a marked inclina- 

 tion toward cannibalism and prey frequently upon snakes other 

 than their own species — among these the poisonous serpents. 

 In their combats with the latter they are often bitten, but ap- 

 pear to be quite immune to the action of snake poison. 



To the agriculturist, the King Snakes are of considerable 

 economic importance, as their strong, cylindrical bodies, pro- 

 vided for a semi-underground existence, enable them to work 

 their way into the burrows of the injurious creatures of the fields 

 in the reptiles' search for food. Moreover they destroy both 

 the young and adults of the venomous snakes. However, the 

 King Snakes are not, as is generally alleged, the sworn enemies 

 of the dangerous serpents. They are quite as relentless in con- 

 stricting and eating a harmless snake as a poisonous one. In 

 their attitude toward man the various species are among the 

 most mild-tempered and inoffensive of snakes. They are very 

 hardy in captivity and will live for years. 



Seven species of this genus occur in the United States — one 



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