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(Diadophis punctatus)
Identification: Upper scales smooth (unkeeled),
gray to olive; usually an orange ring or partial collar around neck; belly
orange with black spots; underside of tail red; total length rarely more than
about 42 cm (16.5 inches).
Colorado Distribution:
Southeastern Colorado south of the
Arkansas River, at elevations below 6,000 feet. Generally scarce; common in
highly localized areas.
Habitat:
Plains
grassland, especially where abundant surface cover is present, and, more often,
canyon bottoms or riparian areas; infrequently seen in the open; usually under
flat rocks or wood in canyon bottoms. Sometimes several individuals of various
ages and either sex aggregate under a single rock or log, especially in spring.
Life History:
Females lay eggs, sometimes
communally, in late June-July. Hatchlings emerge in late August-September.
Typical foods include earthworms and small frogs.