171 



molester. From iudividiial stomach records we learn certain facts 

 that are not to be obtained from the j;-eneral list, such as that 

 i^iven above in the form of a food chart of this serpent. One of the 

 very siji;nificant points is that a bird, snake or fiog was present in 

 almost every stomach which contained insects, unless that were 

 large larva^. It is very evident that the Black Snake does not eat 

 any but the largest insects, such as the larvjie of the Royal Moth 

 and of the Spliinx moths, but it does feed upon insectivorous crea- 

 tures to a great extent and the latter furnished the smaller insects 

 and fragments which were found within those that were studied. 

 Thus, it appears to be more destructive than beneficial, as the 

 piesent evidences appear to be against it. More studies are needed 

 for our final verdict, which must be reserved until moi'e complete 

 and satisfactory evidences are obtained. 



No. 17. Pltuophis melayioleucus (Daudin). Pine or Ball Siake. 



The Pine Snake is one of the species of serpents that probably 

 occurs in Pennsylvania, although we have not yet been fortunate 

 enough to secure specimens and find no definite record of it having 

 been collected in this State. It is also called the Bull Snake, and 

 lives in pine woods, from which it takes its common name. Its 

 general ground color is whitish, with chestnut brown blotches, 

 which are margined with black, and three series of blotches on the 

 sides. This is one of the two genera with the dorsal scales keeled 

 and the anal plat(^ entire. The scales are in twenty-nine rows, the 

 ventral plates about two hundred and twenty-five in number, and 

 the greatest length about six feet. It is recorded as feeding upon 

 rabbits, squirrels, birds, etc., and we desire specimens in order to 

 make more definite studies. 



No. 18. Diadophis punctatus (L.) Ring-netked Spake. 



The little Ring-neclved Snake is commonly seen in the early sprin^^ 

 fji most parts of this State, on dry paths, sunning itself. It is a 

 beautiful, interesting and harmless species, which never attains a 

 size of more than one and one-half feet in length, and is to be 

 recognized by its smooth scales, the bifid anal plate, scales in fifteen 

 rows, ventral plates about one hundred and forty or more in num- 

 ber, and bluish black in coloi-, with a yellow collar or ring about 

 the neck. This ring is about two scales wide and is quite conspic- 

 uous. Beneath, the color is orange yellow, becoming bluish in 

 spirits. Each plate of the under side usually has a black spot on 

 it at each side, and some times one in the middle. 



This harmless little snake is recorded as being a western species, 

 occurring eastward to Ohio, vet our investigations must extend its 



