BATRACHIANS AND REPTILES OF OHIO. 137 
Ancistrodon contortrix I. Above light hazel brown, becoming cop- 
pery on the head ; everywhere spotted with minute black dots. A series of 
darker brown, V-shaped blotches alternating with one another on either 
side. Below yellowish, with black quadrangular blotches. Scales 23. 
Length 3% feet. 
This is the dangerous Copper-head. It is a frequenter of 
low, swampy places in hilly regions. It is not confined to damp 
soils, however, but wanders over the uplands except in the hottest 
summer months. It strikes, when approached, without warning 
and, while its teeth are but half an inch long, they are exceed- 
ingly sharp and may even penetrate leather. The venom is per- 
haps not as active as that of the Rattlers, but nevertheless a 
small amount, properly injected is almost certain death. The 
snake never reaches a length of over 3% feet, and this is uncom- 
mon, the normal being 234 feet. 
In the State the Copper-head occurs mainly in the southern 
and eastern portions, among the hills. It is never what may be 
called common, but individuals are frequently killed in the region 
mentioned. ‘The snake is not as common as formerly and is 
undergoing certain extermination. 
Specimens in the Museum of the Cin. Soc. Nat. His., collected by Chas, 
Dury in Hamilton Co. In the O. S. U. Mus., collected by J. S. Hine from 
Sugar Grove; by W. M. Mills from Chillicothe and from Knox Co. 
Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Raf. Brown to grey above, with a 
series of darker brown blotches edged with black. A yellowish streak 
through eye to neck. Below blackish, with yellowish shade. Scales 23-25. 
Length 2% feet. Rattles small. Form heavy. 
The Massasauga or Prairie Rattler is the smaller of the two 
species of Rattler in Ohio. It is found in lowland swamps or in 
grassy meadows. It is sluggish and will not show fight until 
driven to do so. Its stroke is quick, but not effective beyond a 
foot. 
Formerly the Prairie Rattler was one of the commonest 
snakes, but now it is undergoing rapid extermination. Its haunts 
are being invaded by the plough and every year sees many of its 
strongholts destroyed. Its range in the State is wide, but its 
distribution is erratic. 
Specimens in the U.S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Columbus, 
Warren and from Trumbull Co, In O.S. U. Mus., from Urbana, collected 
by Dr. Kellicott. 
