Reptilia of Jefferson County, Mo. 197 
Natrix sipedon sipedon (Linné)—These water snakes are mod- 
erately common locally about bodies of water and are called water 
moccasins by the natives. They have been taken in Mud Creek, 
Barnhart, Moss Hollow, Sulphur Springs, Isle Du Bois Creek, An- 
tonio. Where fishermen are common, these reptiles become sa 
cealment. One freshly caught specimen took a live minnow fom 
the fingers, swallowing the fish tail first. This specimen, when 
killed on July 20, was found to contain nine eggs. Freshly cap- 
tured specimens have disgorged Rana clamitans, R. catesbeiana, 
. ptpvens, minnows and sunfish. 
Storeria dekayi np saan) os adult DeKay’s snake was 
taken about 100 yards from the Meramec River, near Pacific, on 
June 19, 1932, in the vicinity of a mall pool which was teeming 
with freshly transformed Bufo americanus. It was found to be 
fond of these tiny toads and would accept earthworms readily. 
Specimens have been taken at Kimmswick and near Pacific. One 
example was plowed up in a rocky field. 
Storeria ip tages ay (STORER) iy’ red- iene snake 
is rare in this county where it has been ta t Kimmswick and 
Hematite. Scecunas have ics secured in phen cea woods, 
and one adult was found in a rotted stump. 
Virginia valeriae elegans (KennicoTT)—Valeria’s snake is 
rare here. Our specimens have all been taken in the leaves in 
nae rocky woods after rains. One adult was takes near High 
Potamophis striatulus ( oe ae (1911) recorded this 
brown snake from Jefferson County. 
Thamnophis lineatus (HALLOWELL) —The lined snake is secre- 
tive in habits but is sometimes taken on sidewalks and it often 
occurs under debris in vacant lots. Specimens have been liber- 
ated at Kimmswick. 
Thamnophis sauritus proximus (Say)—Ribbon snakes are 
moderately rare and are generally found in the vicinity of water. 
They have been taken at Danby, Kimmswick, and Crystal City. One 
specimen, captured near Danby, disgorged two adult and one trans- 
forming cricket frogs (Acris gryllus) at capture. Examples also 
