The Water Snakes 



apart. In alternation with the bands of the back, is a series 

 of black blotches on the sides, which are more pronounced on 

 the latter two-thirds of the body. 



With the exception of the lips, which are yellow, the head is 

 of the uniform colour of the body. The abdomen is uniform 

 yellowish with the exception of a tinge of gray upon the edges 

 of the plates. 



Although the scales are strongly keeled, this snake is more 

 shiny than other species. In outline and pattern it appeals to 

 the diamond-backed water snake, but may be at once sepa- 

 rated by the absence of a tendency of the narrow bands on the 

 back, to unite and form a rhomb-like pattern. Old specimens 

 are generally a uniform, dull olive above. 



Dimensions. Frequently attains a length of four feet. 

 Measurements of a specimen from Lake Kerr, Marion County, 

 Florida, are given: 



Total Length 42 f inches. 



Length of Tail io 



Diameter of Body if 



Width of Head i 



Length of Head 2 



Distribution. The Gulf States and the Mississippi Valley 

 northward to southern Illinois. In Florida the species is mod- 

 erately abundant; westward it occurs in lesser numbers and in 

 the Mississippi Valley it is rather rare. 



Habits. In actions this snake resembles the diamond- 

 backed water snake, although it is not so vicious in disposition. 

 Feeding readily in captivity, it is very hardy and will live for 

 years. At times it will lie partially flattened, with head resting 

 upon the ground, causing that member to appear very broad, 

 triangular and ugly. While in such a position it is the per- 

 sonification of a poisonous snake. This serpent is very fond 

 of climbing and if provided with a branch or small tree, will 

 spend much of its time lying stretched upon it. 



THE BROWN WATER SNAKE, "WATER RATTLE"; 



WATER PILOT* 

 Tropidonotus taxispilotus, (Holbrook) 



Largest of the North American water snakes attaining 



a length of five feet very stout of body, but with long, tapering 



* A name also given to the poisonous Moccasin or "Cotton mouth." 



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