Arizona Ringed Snake

Ophibolus zonatus, (Blainville)

Colouration: The body is encircled with pale brick-red, white, and black rings. On the forward portion of the body, the black rings (which enclose the narrow rings of white) are narrow and the red rings are broad; toward the latter portion of the body, the red becomes constricted and the black predominates. On some specimens the latter character is so pronounced that the pattern may be given as white rings separated by broad rings of black which are split by narrow areas of red, or contain triangles of that hue. Such are the greater number of specimens from Arizona and Utah. California specimens are usually perfectly ringed with the red for the entire length of the body and are the handsomest phase of this species.
Dimensions: Following are the measurements of an adult specimen from southern California:
Distribution: Southern Utah and Nevada; southern California and Arizona.
Habits: A single specimen of this beautiful reptile lived for about a year in the writer's collection. It was very shy in its feeding and could not be induced to take anything but very young mice, although very small snakes and lizards were frequently placed in its cage. While often handled by friends of the writer, it never attempted to bite, but would coil about one's fingers and become perfectly quiet as if enjoying the warmth of the hand.

Despite the vivid colouration of the King Snakes, this is the most beautiful species of the genus. It presents all the striking colours of the Scarlet King Snake--O. doliatus coccineus--of the southeastern United States, but is a much larger reptile and attains the length of a yard. The proportions are moderately stout and the head is fairly distinct from the neck. This snake appears to be most closely allied to the Western varieties of the succeeding species. There are 21 or 23 rows of scales.

The snout is black. Across the head is a white band, broadening on the temples. Behind this is a black ring.

Total Length . . . . . 30 1/2 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 4 3/4 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 9/16 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 9/16 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 inches.