Kirtland's Snake

Clonophis kirtlandi, (Kenn.)

Colouration: Pale brown, with large, upright, blackish brown blotches on the sides, separated by narrow spaces of the ground-colour; two series of less distinct, rounded blotches on the back. The blotches of the sides and the back are in alternation with one another.
Dimensions: Grows to a length of twenty inches, but most specimens are of smaller proportions. Following are the measurements of a half-grown example, taken near Sandusky, Ohio:
Distribution: Northern portion of the Mississippi Valley--Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Michigan; in some areas the species is as abundant as the garter snakes.
Habits: The habits appeal to those of the water snakes although this species is not actually semi-aquatic. It frequents damp woods and swamps and may often be found hiding under logs. If surprised when near the edge of a pond or stream it takes to the water without hesitation and dives to the bottom, to hide in the aquatic vegetation, like a true water snake. The food consists largely of small frogs and toads; captive specimens will eat small fishes. Like the water snakes, this reptile produces its young alive.

Size rather small. Body stout; head not distinct from neck. Looks much like a small Tropidonotus, in general outlines.

Top of the head black; lip plates yellowish.

Central portion of the abdomen, brick-red; bordering this bright hue on either side is a row of dark spots.

Total Length . . . . .8 1/2 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . .2 1/8 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . .1/4 inches.

Width of Head . . . . .3/16 inches.

Length of Head . . . . .3/8 inches.

The Genus Tropidoclonium: Closely allied to the preceding genus and separated from it by the structure of the ventral plate, which is entire.