164 ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY 



as destroyers of insects or insect larvas; at least they are entirely 

 non-venomous. 



The Water Snakes. Genus Tropidonotus, Fig. 107. Under this 

 genus are several dozen species of semi-aquatic snakes, many of which 

 are well known. Since, like the garter snakes, their food consists 

 of frogs, toads, fish and other cold-blooded animals, they are probably 

 of no benefit to man, and may do .some harm in destroying useful 

 animals. Many of them are of ugly disposition and will strike with 

 sufficient force to bring blood, but they are all entirely non- venomous. 

 Among the better known forms under this genus are the Common 

 Water Snake, T.fasciatus, sipedon, found from Maine to North Carolina 

 and west to Kansas; the Banded Water Snake or Moccasin, T. fasciaius, 

 which extends from Virginia south; and the Brown Water Snake or 

 Water Rattle, T. taxispilotus, the largest of American Water Snakes, 

 reaching a length of 5 feet and with a thick body, found in the 

 States south of the Potomac and east of the Mississippi. 



One of the chief points of interest in connection with these Water 

 Snakes is the fact that they are so frequently confused with the deadly 

 "Cotton-mouth" Moccasin, or, if recognized as distinct, they are 

 thought to be venomous themselves. The Banded Water Snake, 

 in particular, with its thick body and flat, distinct head, is easily 

 mistaken for the venomous species, but the pit and the elliptical 

 pupil will distinguish the latter unfailingly. 



The Brown or Ground Snakes. This group of small snakes, 

 measuring from 8 to 14 inches in length, is represented by several 

 genera, most of which are of retiring, even subterranean habits. 

 They are of a dull brown color above, with few, if any markings; 

 the ventral side is white, yellow, pink, or vermilion, depending upon the 

 species. Since their food consists of insects, insect larvae, slugs, etc., 

 they may be considered highly beneficial, and their diminutive size 

 and gentle habits leave not the least excuse for their destruction. 

 They are distributed over practically the entire United States and 

 southern Canada east of the Rockies. 



The Racers. Genera Spilotes and Zamenis. Several well-known 

 and useful serpents are found in this group. Under the first genus 

 is found the Gopher, Indigo or Rat Snake, S. corais couperi, a large 

 snake with shiny black scales, both above and below, but with reddish 

 chin and throat. It may reach a length of 8 feet or more. It 



