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ities, where it burrows beneath decayed logs 
and bark in search of its food, slugs, salaman- 
ders and insect larvae. Although it may be 
found throughout nearly the whole country, 
yet it is not often met, because of its love of se- 
clusion. 
DE KAY’S BROWN SNAKE, 
The DeKay’s brown snake-=Storeria de K ayi-= 
has a stout body that tapers toward its delicate 
neck and small head. It is grayish brown 
above, with a prominent clay-colored dorsal 
band, dotted with minute black dots along its 
edges. Beneath, grayish. This snake seldom 
grows over a foot in length. It is one of our 
commonest snakes and is usually found near 
water where it secures tadpoles, grubs and 
earthworms for sustenance. 
RED-BELLIED SNAKE. 
The red-bellied snake—Storeria occipitomac- 
ulata—is less common than DeKay’s brown 
snake and is slighter in form. Color above 
chestnut brown, with a narrow grayish dorsal 
stripe. A distinguishing mark peculiar to this 
species is three pale blotches on the back part 
of the head; these are seldom absent. Color, 
beneath salmon red. Length seldom over a 
foot. General habits same as the DeKay’s 
brown snake. 
