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(Tropidoclonion
lineatum)
| Identification: Belly whitish, typically
with double row of black semicircular marks along middle; five or six
upper lip scales on each side of head; upper scales keeled, in 17–19 rows
at midbody; anal scale single; maximum total length about 57 cm (22.4
inches), but usually less than 40 cm (16 inches).
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Colorado Distribution:
Portions of eastern Colorado below
6,000 feet; definitely most abundant in southeastern Colorado. Patchy
distribution, locally common.
Habitat:
Damp sites in flat plains
grasslands, canyon bottom grasslands, riparian areas, and grassy vacant lots and
gullies in cities. Secretive, ground-dwelling, burrows in loose soil or hides
under rocks, wood, dried cattle dung, or debris; prowls in the open at night
during moist mild weather.
Life History:
Females give birth to their young in
August and September. The diet consists almost exclusively of earthworms.
Revised: July 24, 2003