Family: Colubridae, Colubrid Snakes view all from this family

Description 20-40" (51-102 cm). Distinct bright yellow or orange back stripe. Cream to yellow side stripes occupy 3rd and 4th scale rows above belly. Double row of squarish black spots between side and back stripes, and a row of black spots below side stripe. Black vertical bars on lips. Scales keeled, in 21 rows. Anal plate single.

Breeding Mates April to May and in fall. 5-60 or more young, 6 1/2-7 1/2" (16-19 cm) long, are born July to September.

Habitat Wet meadows, open boggy areas, vacant lots, parks, and open prairies along margins of lakes, streams, and marshes; 500-6,500' (150-2,000 m).

Range Nw. Indiana northwest and southwest through the Great Plains to the Rockies from s. Alberta to ne. New Mexico. Isolated populations in nc. Ohio, nw. Arkansas, sw. Illinois and se. Missouri.

Discussion A common species throughout much of its range, including urban areas. Spends warm days basking or searching for frogs, salamanders, and small rodents.