52. Coluber constrictor constrictor (Linne). 

 BLACK SNAKE. 

 Despite its latin specific name, the Black 

 Snake is not a constrictor. It is, however, canni- 

 balistic, and has been known to eat Crotalid snakes. 

 In common with many other snakes. Coluber con- 

 strictor has the habit of rapidly vibrating the 

 tip of the tail when disturbed. If it chances to 

 be among dry leaves when this takes place, a 

 rattling sound is produced which is strikingly sim- 

 ilar to that made by the caudal appendage of Cro- 

 talus. 



Masticophis (Genus) 

 53. Masticophis flagellum flogellum (Shaw). 

 WHIP-SNAKE. 

 Surprizingly little is known of the habits and 

 life history of this common and widely - distribu- 

 ted form, which receives its name from the resem- 

 blance of the arrangement of its dorsal scales to a 

 braided leather whip. It is known to be somewhat 

 arboreal, and reaches a length of over eight feet. 

 The food is composed of insects, small mammals, 

 and other snakes. Needless to say, this species 

 does not "whip" its enemies, as it is reputed to do 

 in the Southern U. S. 



Elaphe (Genus) 

 54. Elaphe guttata (Linne). 

 CORN SNAKE. 

 One of the most handsome of North Amer- 

 ican serpents, the Corn Snake is extremely ben- 

 eficial to man, as are all members of Elaphe. It 



