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Red-spotted Garter Snake
But one specimen of this species seems to be known. It is closely related to the preceding reptile. The general colour is light brown. There are no stripes. The forward portion of the body is marked with six rows of small, reddish spots, which, on the central portion, become obscure; they are not distinguishable on the latter half.
The length of the type specimen is 10 1/4 inches. It was captured in southern Arizona.
To the Student: In the work of identifying species and varieties of this interesting genus, the student may come in contact with many knotty problems-possibly become enthusiastic over the diversities of colour and pattern that are always to be found in a large series of specimens. It is then that the writer begs the student to pause and meditate. Do not theorise, and afterward inflict scientific annals with descriptions of "new species" and sub-species, but devote your energies along lines that will simplify classification. Certain it is, that there are among reptiles many alleged species which are doubtful. Is it not of greater value to science, to discover the points by which these may be stricken from our lists than to create others of equal uncertainty? Unfortunately, among scientists, name-making and theory has been the rule rather than practical work to afford lasting results. And to carry out the latter the student must regard a subject from a broad standpoint. Valuable time should not be wasted in hair-splitting discussions. Instead, however, large series should be examined with a view of establishing relationship in the comparison of one form with another. North American herpetology stands in need of such researches.
A Large Genus of Semi-aquatic Serpents that occur in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres-Descriptions of the North American Species-Their Habits
SEVERAL dozen species comprise this genus. They are common reptiles in the United States, Europe and Asia and well merit the popular title-Water Snakes-owing to their semiaquatic habits. Without exception these serpents frequent the borders of rivers and streams, ponds or lakes, or live in swampy places. When disturbed they generally take to the water for protection. Being agile swimmers, they are enabled to dive to the bottom for protection and remain there for some time, or to swim into thick, weedy places and there conceal themselves. The habits of the familiar Banded Water Snakes of the Eastern States, stand as typical illustrations of the life these creatures lead. They cannot be classed as economically valuable to man, as their food consists entirely of cold-blooded creatures-frogs, toads, fishes and the like. Although generally pugnacious and provided with teeth capable of inflicting slight lacerations, all of the species are entirely devoid of venom.
The snakes of this genus are viviparous-bringing forth living young and in large numbers.
Ten species, and several distinct varieties inhabit North America, eight of which occur east of the Mississippi River. These snakes may generally be recognised by their stout bodies and coarsely keeled scales.
A key to facilitate the identification of North American species, follows:
I. Body striped lengthwise:
Dark brown; three black stripes on back; a yellow stripe on each side; abdomen yellow, with three black stripes.
QUEEN SNAKE, T. leberis.
Habitat.-Eastern United States.
Brown above; a pale stripe on back and a broad yellow band on side, bordered with black stripes; abdomen yellow.
GRAHAM'S WATER SNAKE, T. grahami.
Habitat.--The Mississippi Valley.
Olive; two black stripes on back; abdomen yellow, with two rows of black spots. STRIPED WATER SNAKE, T. rigidus.
Habitat.--Pennsylvania to the Gulf.
Light brown; four dark stripes on the back; abdomen yellow in the middle, olive on the sides.
CLARK'S WATER SNAKE, T. clarki.
Habitat.--Louisiana and Texas.
Grayish-brown, usually with lines of small black spots on the sides; abdomen uniform yellow.
WESTERN WATER SNAKE, T. validus.
Habitat.--Extreme southwest; Mexico.
II. Body transversely banded:
a. Tail somewhat flattened.
Olive; small cross-bands on the back; smaller blotches on sides. FLAT-TAILED WATER SNAKE, T. compressicaudus.
Habitat.--Florida.
b. Tail round.
Wide, dark cross-bands for the greater length of body, with red or brown interspaces; abdomen white, with red and black spots.
BANDED WATER SNAKE, T. fasciatus.