150 



find such objectionable creatures as snails, grasshoppers, locusts, 

 crickets and larvie of moth, besides potato beetles, weevils, and ants. 

 On the other hand, among the beneficial creatures must be recognized 

 the earthworms, spiders, ground beetles, rove beetles, lady birds, 

 salamanders, toads, tree frogs and frogs. We found no evidence of 

 fish in any of the entire number studied. 



No. 9. Reglna rigida (Say). Rigid Qneen Snake. 



There are two species of the genus Regina or Queen Snakes 

 found in the State of Pennsj'lvania, although both are rare. They 

 are to be distinguished by the keels on all of the dorsal scales, the 

 bifid or two-parted anal plate, scales arranged in nineteen rows, 

 ventral plates about one hundred and fifty, striped colors, and 

 haunts near water. They are ovoviviparous, bearing young. 



The common nanne, ''Rigid Queen Snake," is but a translation of 

 the scientific name of the genus and species, Regina rigida and is 

 given as the common name of this snake because no other has been 

 suggested and none is in general use either by writers or hj country 

 people. This species may bo called the Brown-banded Leather 

 Snake from the two brown dorsal bands. It is greenish brown in 

 general color. Besides the bands along the back, it has a brown 

 spot on each scale on the sides, causing the sides to present a 

 speckled appearance; the belly is yellowish and blotched with 

 darker, and the outer or lower row of scales is smooth. This snake 

 reaches a length of about twenty-four inches and is harmless and 

 probably beneficial in feeding habits. Nothing is published nor 

 known with certainty concerning the details of its habits or food. 

 It is inserted in this list upon the published authority of Dr. O, 

 P. Ha}'. The Rigid Queen Snake is found from Pennsylvania to 

 Georgia, chiefly south of the mountains and westward to central 

 Illinois. This makes it more of a southern species than most of 

 those found in our State. As Pennsylvania is its northern limit 

 we see why it is rare in this State. It is to be expected where the 

 Carolinian fauna extends into the southeastern and southwestern 

 corners of this State, and possibly along the entire southern bor- 

 der. Persons in those regions are requested to give us special aid 

 in our efforts to learn and disseminate some information about it. 



No. 10. Regina leberia (L.) Qaeen Snake or Striped Water Snake. 



Plate XXIII. 



This is a common watci- snake whicli generally is not distin- 

 guished by any common name in this State. In his published state- 

 ment in 1882 in "The I{<'i)tilcs of Ohio," W. II. Smith refers to this 

 species as the Yellow-bellied Snake or I/<'ather Snake. Doubtless 



