1892.] Nebraska Snakes. 751 
18. NATRIX FASCIATA SIPEDON Linn. 
This snake is extremely sluggish, very ill-tempered and 
unpleasant to handle. Often when brought into our labora- 
tory after being agitated they emitted a very offensive, strong 
odor which could be detected anywhere within the room- 
They are very abundant in streams and stagnant waters and 
are usually found in brush or drifts. 
Our specimens are not the typical sipedon, but partake 
partly of the characteristics of both var. rhombifer and var. 
erythrogaster. We suspect that the same conditions are true 
of Kansas specimens since Prof. Snow reports var. rhombifer 
and Prof. Cope var. erythrogaster, while the species sipedon is 
also reported by various persons. The reputation of this spe- 
cies for variability is fully sustained in Nebraska—our collec- 
tion showing specimens of all known shades and distinctness 
of markings. As in other sections of the country these snakes 
though harmless are commonly regarded as venomous. 
We have examined specimens from Cuming and Nemaha 
counties. Dr. Yarrow reports one specimen from Nebraska. 
The food of this serpent consists almost wholly of water 
insects and their larve, crawfish and fish, being the most fish- 
loving of all our species. Often the stomach is completely 
filled with parasitic worms which belong to the class of 
“round worms ” (Nemathelminthes). 
19. SrorERIA DEKAYI Holbrook. 
The contents of the stomachs of these little snakes indicate 
that they are almost wholly insectivorous. Furthermore the 
small numbers collected by amateurs, notwithstanding the 
fact that they are common, shows that their color is a great 
protection. Also their protective coloration is aided by the 
dilatation of the body and a disposition to remain very quiet 
until discovered, these three facts thus showing beyond ques- 
tion great powers of mimicry. Furthermore when the body 
is dilated the colors are made more grass-like by the exposure 
of the dingy, dirty edges of the dorsal scales. 
We have examined some twelve or more specimens collected 
in Nemaha and adjoining counties. 
