Red Coluber

Coluber guttatus, (Linn.)

Colouration.—One of the most beautiful of North American serpents, the species is easily recognised. The ground-colour is pale red. On the back is a series of large, crimson saddles narrowly bordered with black; on many specimens there is a narrow white margin outside of the black; on each side of the body is a smaller series of similar blotches and beneath this a yet smaller series which terminates at the edges of the abdominal plates and shows more of an orange hue than red.

Dimensions.—The average measurements are given:

Distribution.—The Corn Snake is found from Maryland (inclusive of the District of Columbia) westward to the Mississippi River and southward to the Gulf of Mexico. It is most abundant in the extreme Southeastern States.

Habits.—Like the other species of this genus, the Corn Snake is an agile climber and often ascends small trees in quest of young birds, of which it is very fond. It also feeds largely upon small rodents, such as rats, mice and small rabbits and in consequence is a useful reptile. In captivity it always shows an especial fondness for mice, which it will take in preference to all other food.

Moderately stout with a proportionately small head. The scales are faintly keeled. Attains a length of six feet.

In bold contrast to the markings of the upper surface, the abdomen is white with large black squares.

On the neck and immediately behind the head is a red blotch extending forward in two branches to the top of the head and thence forward to form a wedge-shaped marking terminating between the eyes. A red stripe crosses the forehead and from behind each eye runs a line of similar colour, bordered with black and terminating at the angle of the mouth. The plates of the upper and lower lips are whitish, with black borders.

Variations.-As is the case with most of the Colubers, this species displays a certain amount of variation, both in colour and pattern, but not to a sufficient extent and constancy to warrant the naming of distinct varieties. One sub-species-variety-has been described,* (Coluber guttatus sellatus, (Cope), Desc. Proc. U. S. National Museum, XI, 1888, p. 387.) but as specimens of intermediate pattern are continually being found, it is unworthy of separate recognition. At the time of compiling this description, the writer has a living specimen representing this variety, before him. The crimson saddles of the back are very large and the blotches of the sides are so obscure that they can be made out only when the light strikes the specimen at a certain angle. Some specimens have a yellowish ground-colour and on these the crimson blotches are in vivid contrast. The ground-colour varies from pale red, into various shades of yellow, brown or gray. With occasional specimens the blotches of the sides fuse into an irregular band. These phases of colouration do not affect the snake to such an extent, however, that it varies materially or is difficult to recognise.

Total Length . . . . . 51 1/2 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 7 1/2 inches.

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

Width of Head . . . . . 13/16 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 1 3/8 inches.

Occasionally, though rarely, much larger specimens are found. The writer took a specimen in South Carolina, that measured a fraction of an inch over six feet in length. The body was two inches in diameter, and the head very small for a snake of this size-barely one and a quarter inches in width. This fine snake was found hiding in the interior of a decayed and hollow tree trunk that lay in a perfectly open, prairie-like area. In the excitement of capture it disgorged a full-grown quail or "Bob White." Although the bird did not greatly distend the reptile's body, it appeared enormous in comparison with the small head of the snake.

This snake does not appear to be so arboreal in habits as some of the allied species. The majority of the specimens collected by the writer were on the ground; some lying in hollow logs and others hiding in the shrubbery. While pursuing a sand lizard into some bushes, the writer discovered a large specimen in the act of devouring a quail, which it had undoubtedly stalked from the undergrowth in which the snake had been secreted.

When surprised, the Corn Snake does not ordinarily try to get away, but partially coiling, strikes quickly and viciously, uttering, at each stroke of the head, a sharp, short hiss. In fact, these snakes and the related species are not able to get over open ground with any great show of speed. If foraging, and the enemy is sighted from a distance, they will invariably glide for safety, making for the nearest brush, but if coiled, they do not generally attempt to escape. Either lazy or imagining quiet is a better safeguard than flight, they lie alert, with quivering tongue, watching developments. Generally speaking, the Corn Snake and its allies are bold and powerful reptiles, showing considerable bravery when cornered, and little of the hysterical rush and fluster of most snakes when taken unawares.