Family: Colubridae, Colubrid Snakes view all from this family

Description Grayish brown with a series of large black spots and alternating smaller spots running down each side of the back. Underside brick red with a prominent round black spot at each outer end. 19 rows of keeled scales at middy. Divided anal plate.

Dimensions 35.5-62.2cm. (14-24 1/2")

Breeding 4-15 live young, 13-17cm (5-6 1/2") long when born, August-September.

Habitat Meadows, ponds in woodlands and swamplands.

Range Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, southern Michigan, n. Kentucky, small isolated population in w. Pennsylvania.

Discussion When threatened, flattens body. Able swimmer but rarely encountered in water, despite being a water snake. Hides under rocks in meadows. Diet of earthworms and slugs.