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Lined Snake
This earthworm-eating snake lives in elevations less than 6,000 feet in elevation.
About This Species
The lined snake has a head narrower than its body. This is a relatively small snake that eats almost exclusively earthworms.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
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 22.4 inches (57 cm), but usually less than 16 inches (40 cm).
Range
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.
Diet
The diet consists almost exclusively of earthworms.
Reproduction
Females give birth to their young in August and September.