Short-tailed Snake

Stilosoma extenuatum, (A. E. Brown)

Colouration: "Body colour silvery gray, with 60 to 70 irregular, dark brown dorsal spots with blackish border on the body, and about twelve on the tail; on the dorsal line the interspaces are mottled with pale red; belly blotched with black which extends on the sides and often breaks into the lateral spots; on the sides the scales are finely punctulated with black; a dark patch on the parietals, with a smaller one on each side of the neck; a dark, post-ocular streak; forepart of head, chin and throat maculated with black." (A. E. Brown).
Distribution: This rare snake is known only from Marion and Orange Counties, Florida.
Habits: Apparently a burrowing species.

Form very slender; tail very short. Head not distinct from the neck; snout prominent. Scales in 19 rows.

Dimension.--Total length 23 inches; tail, 2 inches.

The Genus Rhadinea: The several species inhabit North and South America; but one is found in the former. All are of small size. Rear teeth of the upper jaw slightly enlarged, but smooth. A loreal plate and one preocular; ventral plate divided.