BATRACHIANS AND REPTILES OF OHIO. 137- 



Ancistrodon contortrix L. Above light hazel brown, becoming cop- 

 pery on the head ; everywhere spotted with minute black dots. A series of 

 darker brown, "V-shaped blotches alternating with one another on either 

 side. Below yellowish, with black quadrangular blotches. Scales 23. 

 Length y^ feet. 



This is the dangerous Copper-head. It is a frequenter of 

 low, swampy places in hilly regions. It is not confined to damp 

 soils, however, but wanders over the uplands except in the hottest 

 summer months. It strikes, when approached, without warning 

 and, while its teeth are but half an inch long, they are exceed- 

 ingly sharp and may even penetrate leather. The venom is per- 

 haps not as active as that of the Rattlers, but nevertheless a 

 small amount, properly injected is almost certain death. The 

 snake never reaches a length of over 3^ feet, and this is uncom- 

 mon, the normal being 2% feet. 



In the State the Copper-head occurs mainly in the southern 

 and eastern portions, among the hills. It is never what may be 

 called common, but individuals are frequently killed in the region 

 mentioned. The snake is not as common as formerly and is 

 undergoing certain extermination. 



Specimens in the Museum of the Cin. Soc. Nat. His., collected by Chas. 

 Dury in Hamilton Co. In the O. S. U. Mus,, collected by J. S. Hine from 

 Sugar Grove ; by W. M. Mills from ChiUicothe and from Knox Co. 



Sistrurus catenatu's catenatus Raf. Brown to grey above, with a 

 series of darker brown blotches edged with black. A yellowish streak 

 through eye to neck. Below blackish, with yellowish shade. Scales 23-25. 

 Length 2% feet. Rattles small. Form heavy. 



The Massasauga or Prairie Rattler is the smaller of the two 

 species of Rattler -in Ohio. It is found in lowland swamps or in 

 grassy meadows. It is sluggish and will not show fight until 

 driven to do so. Its stroke is quick, but not effective beyond a 

 foot. 



Formerly the Prairie Rattler was one of the commonest 

 snakes, but now it is undergoing rapid extermination. Its haunts 

 are being invaded by the plough and every year sees many of its 

 strongholts destroyed. Its range in the State is wide, but its- 

 distribution is erratic. 



Specimens in the U. S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Columbus, 

 Warren and from Trumbull Co. In O. S. U. Mus., from Urbana, -collected 

 by Dr. Kellicott. 



