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(Masticophis taeniatus)
| Identification: Dark stripe centered on each
of first four scale rows on each side of body (count upward from belly
scales); underside of tail pink in adults; upper scales smooth (unkeeled),
in 15 rows at midbody; eyes large; head scales with pale borders; small
scale wedged between upper lip scales at front edge of eye; anal scale
divided; eyes large, with a prominent ridge above each; maximum total
length about 183 cm (72 inches).
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Habitat:
Semidesert shrubland in broad
basins, piņon-juniper woodland and shrubland on mesa tops and rocky slopes, and
intermittent stream courses and arroyos in the bottoms of canyons. Active mostly
on the ground surface but readily climbs into vegetation. Seeks shelter in
burrows or beneath rocks or other cover.
Life History:
Females produce a clutch of eggs in
late June or early July. Hatchlings appear in August. This fast-moving,
day-active snake feeds opportunistically on small mammals, birds and their eggs,
lizards, snakes, frogs, and large insects. Lizards are a mainstay of the
diet.