Reptilia of Jefferson County, Mo. 195 
when first captured and when killed and dissected on July 20 it 
was found to contain 12 eggs 
Opheodrys aestivus (LinnE)—Rough green snakes are 
mon here in the low branches of cedars and shrubs in the shaded 
locations eee ih are generally overlooked because of their re- 
markable concealing coloration. Specimens have been taken at 
Kimmswick, Barnhart, ease Springs, cain Imperial, and 
Sunnyside. Occ asional examples are seen r the water, appar- 
so having gone there to dea They wide little fear of man 
nt 
after it was force fed on sow bugs but made no attempt to re- 
gurgitate the crustaceans. 
Coluber constrictor constrictor (LinNE)—The black racer is 
the most common snake in Jefferson County where it has been 
' taken at Danby, DeSoto, Festus, Hematite, Hillsboro, Antonio, House 
Springs, Seckman, Goldman, Kimmswick, Barnhart, Imperial, Sul- 
phur Springs, Sannwide Beck, Maxville, High Rida. and Glen 
Park. Specimens which wo ould baa hoe have been passed un- 
taken at the same place and in the same company the ollowing 
pril. It was bitten sia ee by both copperheads but, other 
than a righteous indignation, showed no ill effects. Another in- 
stance of this species Sealing shelter with the copperhead was the 
collection of a large black racer with a copperhead on a glade near 
Kimmswick in April, 1933. Two copulating pairs were taken on 
May 3, 1931. 
Masticophis dei flagellum (SHAw)—Coachwhip snakes 
are rare in this county but have been taken in dry, rocky situations, 
one having reroll dott in McLoon’s Quarry near Barnhart and an- 
other near Danby on Highway 25. Captives have fed well on mice 
and one specimen took a young Elaphe laeta in its cage, while 
another ate an adult Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus. 
Elaphe laeta (Barrp and Grrarp)—These moderately rare 
chicken snakes are taken most frequently about human habitations, 
in cellars and farmhouses where they are known to feed voraciously 
on mice; because of their frequent appearance > abou dwellings they 
have earned _ name of house snake locally. Specimens have been 
taken at Antonio, House Springs, Barnhart, Kimmswick, DeSoto, 
Sulphur ie Imperial, Beck, Festus, and Maxville. 
