Description

18-51 5/8". Most widely distributed snake in North America. Coloration highly variable, but back and side stripes usually well-defined. Side stripe confined to 2nd and 3rd scale rows (except Texas). red blotches or double row of alternating black spots often present between stripes. Usually 7 upperlip scales keeled in 19 rows. Anal plate single

Breeding

Live-bearing. Mates mostly late March to early May, Occasionally in fall. 7-85 young born late June to August, earlier in Florida, to early October in the North. Young are 5-9" long; mature in 2 years.

Habitat

Near water- wet meadows, marshes,prairie swales, irrigation and drainage ditches, damp woodland, farms, parks; sea level to 8,000'.

Subspecies

.Eastern, stripes normally yellow, occasionally brownish, greenish, blueish, double row of alternating spots usually between stripes; some are all black, others with red between dorsal scales.