REPTILES OF THE VICINITY OF NEW YORK CITY 99 



Although this species is generally distributed, it is not of 

 common occurrence. From a habit of sometimes frequenting 

 the neighborhood of stables and dairies, it has acquired the 

 reputation of obtaining milk from the cows. This is an illogical 



FIG. 5. MILK SNAKE ; WITH EGGS 



theory, and proof of the actual deed from reputable obser\-ers 

 is wanting. In capti^'ity this serpent is wholly indifferent to 

 milk, but will eat mice, young birds and small snakes other than 

 its ow^n species. It is a constrictor and closely related to the 

 King Snake of the southern states. The Milk Snake is ovipa- 

 rous, laying eggs to the number of two dozen or more. 



Range: The central and eastern United States ; Canada. 



Local distribution: General; frequents woods. 



The Ring-Necked Snake, Diadophis pnnctatus (Fig. 6), is 

 the most easily distinguished of the various local snakes. The 

 scales of this little reptile are smooth and shining. Ring- 



while the body is a uniform dark gray or bluish black, K..ked 

 w4th a brilliant yellow ring around the neck imme- Snake. 

 diately behind the head. Beneath, the color is orange yellow; 

 a single row of black spots is generally present. The length 

 seldom exceeds fifteen inches. 



These little snakes may be occasionally found in damp 

 woods, under stones or burrowing under the bark of decay- 

 ing trees. The species is quite rare within the limits under 



