84 



HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. 



ceeding their first hibernation they acqnire the broT\Ti of the adult 

 form"' (Ditmars, 1907, 267). 



Habits and Hahitat: S. dekayl is rather interesting^ in that 

 owing to its small size, sober colors and retiring habits it is not 



ILLINOIS •! 



CHICAGO 





tr-'^, tAKE 



Fig. 29. Distribution of Sioreria dekayi. 

 Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. 



exterminated by civilization, but is able to live within the limits 

 of towns, where it is frequently found on the sidewalks, in vacant 

 lots, etc. It seems to prefer dr}- woods, and probably remains in 

 concealment most of the time as does its ally the red-bellied snake. 

 Surface (1906, 139) records the following items of food in the 

 stomachs of four Pennsylvania specimens: ''Earthworms in one; 



