141 



lengtb and contained six embryos, one of which was measured and 

 found to be four and one-half inches long. Thus, it is proven to be 

 ovo viviparous. It doubtless feeds upon insects, earthworms, mol 

 lusks, etc., as do the species previously discussed in this Bulletin. 

 The average length is about sixteen inches, and it is non-venomous 

 and entirely harmless in every regard. 



We shall make a special effort to reciprocate favors with persons 

 who send us specimens of this and other of these rare reptiles, and 

 invite naturalists to send us notes upon their occurrence, and par- 

 ticularly to give us information of dates and places of capture and 

 collections in which they are now to be found. These facts are to 

 be recorded in full in our next Report upon this subject. 



No. 7. ThamnopMs saurita (L.) The RibboH Snake. Plate XVIII. 



The Ribbon Snake, or the Striped Garter Snake belongs to the 

 genus Ihamnophis, the same as the other Garter Snakes. This 

 genus is characterized by all species having the dorsal scales more 

 or less keeled, the anal plate entire or not divided, the scales ar- 

 ranged in nineteen to twenty-one rows, the ventral plates about 

 one hundred and fifty -five in number, and the coloration mostly 

 arranged in stripes. There is only one pair of frontal plates and 

 two nasals, and although the posterior teeth are rather large, this 

 is for the purpose of holding their prey rather than for injecting 

 poison. The snakes of this genus or The Garter Snakes, are all 

 non-venomous or harmless species and are also ovoviviparous, or 

 bearing living young. 



This species, which is designated by the common name Ribbon 

 Snake or Swift Garter Snake, is distinguished from the other Com- 

 mon or Garter Snake (T. sirtaUs) found in this State by having the 

 lateral stripe on the third and fourth rows of scales, rather than 

 on the second and third, as in No. 8, and also by the scales being 

 little or not spotted; a plain dorsal band present, stripes all alike 

 in color, and the body very slender. This snake is a dirty choco- 

 late color, with three yellow stripes and light brown color below 

 the lateral or side stripes. The entire body is about three and one 

 eighth times the length of the tail. The colors are bright and 

 striking in appearance, and the length is from two to three feet. 



The Ribbon Snake or Swift Garter Snake is ovoviviparous, or 

 produces living young-, and according to the evidences which w^e 

 have they are born during the month of August. It is one of the 

 species that is known to swallow their young for protection and 

 then as quickly as possible run to a place of safety and permit them 

 to escape. 



