Photo courtesy of Suzanne L. CollinsClick on pictures to enlarge
Photo courtesy of Suzanne L. Collins(Storeria
dekayi)
| Identification: Upper scales keeled; anal
scale divided; seven upper lip scales on each side of head; a row of small
dark spots on each side of an indistinct gray stripe along the middle of
the back; black spot on each side of neck; black spot below each eye;
belly whitish; total length usually less than 40 cm (16 inches). This
species may occur in southeastern Colorado.
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Possible Colorado Distribution:
Museum records indicate that one specimen was
collected in Las Animas County in southeastern Colorado by Arthur E. Beardsley
in 1883. Unfortunately, the specimen has disappeared and its identity cannot be
confirmed. The nearest definite occurrence of this species is in southwestern
Kansas. Because several of Beardsley’s questionable records have proven
reliable, it is possible that it was indeed this snake that Beardsley found and
that the brown snake at least formerly inhabited
Colorado.
Habitat: Most likely to be found crawling on
the ground or under rocks or logs in moist, semi-wooded situations.
Life History: Females produce a litter of young in late
July, August, and September. Earthworms are the primary
food.
Revised: July 24, 2003