APOCKET G KansasSnakes - GPNC · 2018-10-17 · body scales have braided appearance. Two distinct color variants: may be uniform light yellowish brown along entire length of body

A POCKET GUIDE TO

Kansas SnakesSixth Edition

Text by Joseph T. Collins,Suzanne L. Collins & Travis W. Taggart

Photos by Suzanne L. Collins & Bob Gress

Funded by the Chickadee Checkoff,Westar Energy Green Team, Sternberg & Museum of Natural History,

Center for North American Herpetology, Kansas Herpetological Society Published by the Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center

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Table of Contents• Introduction • 2

• Acknowledgements • 3

Threadsnakes� New Mexico Threadsnake • 4

Harmless Egg-laying Snakes� Glossy Snake • 5

� North American Racer • 6

� Prairie Kingsnake • 8

� Speckled Kingsnake • 10

� Eastern Milksnake • 12

� Western Milksnake • 12

� Coachwhip • 14

� Rough Greensnake • 16

� Smooth Greensnake • 17

� Great Plains Ratsnake • 18

� Western Ratsnake • 20

� Gophersnake • 22

� Long-nosed Snake • 24

� Western Groundsnake • 25

� Flat-headed Snake • 26

� Plains Black-headed Snake • 27 Harmless Rear-fanged Snakes

� Western Wormsnake • 28

� Ring-necked Snake • 29

� Plains Hog-nosed Snake • 30

� Dusty Hog-nosed Snake • 30

� Eastern Hog-nosed Snake • 32

� Chihuahuan Night Snake • 34

Western Ratsnake

Eastern Hog-nosedSnake

Cover Photo: RoughGreensnake©Suzanne L. Collins

©Bob Gress

©Bob Gress

50906 KS Snakes_50906 KS Snakes 3/10/15 11:02 AM Page ii

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Harmless Live-bearing Snakes� Plain-bellied Watersnake • 35

� Diamond-backed Watersnake • 36

� Common Watersnake • 38

� Graham's Crayfish Snake • 39

� Dekay's Brownsnake • 40

� Red-bellied Snake • 41

� Checkered Gartersnake • 42

� Western Ribbonsnake • 43

� Plains Gartersnake • 44

� Common Gartersnake • 46

� Lined Snake • 48

� Rough Earthsnake • 50

� Smooth Earthsnake • 51Pit Vipers

� Broad-banded Copperhead • 52

� Eastern Copperhead • 52

� Northern Cottonmouth • 54

� Timber Rattlesnake • 56

� Prairie Rattlesnake • 58

� Western Massasauga • 60

• Snakebite • 62

• Herpetology • 64

• Herpetoculture • 65

• In Memoriam: Joe Collins • 66

• Taxonomy • 67

• Pocket Guides • 68

Western Massasauga

©Bob Gress

50906 KS Snakes_50906 KS Snakes 3/10/15 11:02 AM Page 1

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IntroductionThere are about 3,522 species of snakes

worldwide, with 162 found in the United States. Kansas has 42 species of snakes and they are the most diverse group of reptiles in our state. Fourteen of these have a nearly statewide distribution. Nine species have a primarily western distribution in the state and eleven are restricted to the eastern one-third of Kansas. Only five species of Kansas snakes are venomous. Ten are designated as Threatened Species or Species in Need of Conservation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. All Kansas snakes are permanent, year-round residents and none migrate far from suitable habitat.

This pocket guide includes all 42 species of snakes found in Kansas. These are the creatures you might encounter while hiking the prairies, canyons and forests. Snakes are much maligned and mostly misunderstood. Many people hold some unusual beliefs about Kansas snakes. For example, contrary to popular belief:

• Snakes don’t swallow their young to protectthem during times of danger (acids in a snakebelly would quickly kill and digest the young).

• Snakes don’t milk cows (snake teeth arevery sharp and cows won't stand for it).

• Snake tongues are not stingers (they do,however, tickle).

Center for North American Herpetology

CNAH

KansasHerpetologicalSociety


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• Snakes cannot crawl faster than a personcan walk (it just seems that way to someadrenaline-driven individuals when theyunexpectedly encounter one of thesereptiles).

• Snakes will cross a horsehair rope (back andforth as many times as they like).

Snakes are an integral part of the food chain.They are small, shy animals that are frightenedby people. Understanding their role in nature andtheir unassuming presence are vital to dispel themyths and fears people have of snakes.

AcknowledgementsThis publication would not be possible

without the support of Ben Postlethwait (WestarEnergy Green Team), Chris Berens (ChickadeeCheckoff), Reese Barrick (Sternberg Museum ofNatural History), and The Center for NorthAmerican Herpetology. Thanks to Jim Mason(Great Plains Nature Center) for editing the text.

Joseph T. Collins, Travis W. Taggart,Suzanne L. Collins & Bob Gress

The range maps were created by Jim Mason,based on information from the KansasHerpetofaunal Atlas website (see page 64).

Chickadee Checkoff


� New Mexico Threadsnake

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New Mexico Threadsnake(Rena dissecta)

Threatened Species in Kansas

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 105⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. A small, delicate serpent

with dysfunctional eyes. Smooth scales. Uniformpinkish tan above and below. Only snake in Kansaswith belly scales that are identical in size to rest ofbody scales. Tail very short and blunt. Young looklike miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Spends much of its life below ground;emerges on ground surface during times of highhumidity. Can sometimes be located by lifting largerocks. Breeding probably occurs in spring. Up to sixeggs are laid in cavities up to 30 inches belowground. Cannot bite defensively. Feeds on ant eggsand termites.

©Suzanne L. Collins


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Glossy Snake(Arizona elegans)

Species in Need of Conservation

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 46¼ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales. As its name

implies, this snake has an overall glossyappearance. Its body displays 39–69 dark gray orbrown, black-edged blotches on a light gray/tanground color and sports an immaculate white belly.A dark line extends from the angle of the jawthrough the eye on each side of the head. Young arepaler, but otherwise look like small adults.

H a b i t s : Active at night from April to October; during theday it prefers to retreat into mammal burrows toescape heat and predators. Breeding occurs from Mayto July; an average of eight eggs are laid per clutch.Constrictor. Feeds on lizards and small rodents.

� Glossy Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


� North American Racer

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North American Racer(Coluber constrictor)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 55½ inches; weight up to1 pound, 3 ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales; uniformcream or yellow belly with no pattern. Upper bodyof adults uniform blue-gray, greenish blue orbrown. Young have a pattern of large, light-edgedblotches on back alternating with smaller spots onsides; pattern distinct on front half of body, butfades toward the rear. Young also have scattereddark/reddish speckles on the belly. As they growolder, young lose all patterns and attain uniformappearance of adults.

H a b i t s : A snake of open grassland, pasture and prairieduring summer; generally found on rocky woodedhillsides in spring and fall. Spends day basking insun or gliding over ground in search of food;average home range of 25 acres but not territorial.Five to 31 rough-shelled eggs per clutch, laid inJune or July; incubation takes 2–3 months. Pursuesand eats insects, frogs, lizards, other snakes, birds,bird eggs and small mammals. Despite its scientificname, it is not a constrictor.


� Prairie Kingsnake

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Prairie Kingsnake(Lampropeltis calligaster)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 52 inches; weight up to 14ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales; light anddark pattern on belly; 40–78 brown to reddishblotches on back. Head, body and tail are brown ortan; dark red or brown blotches on back are edgedwith black; 2–3 series of small brown or dark redspots on sides alternate with blotches on back.Pattern may become cream obscured inolder/larger specimens. Belly is white with darkirregular markings. Young look like adults.

H a b i t s : Inhabits rocky hillsides with open woods,prairie grassland and sand prairies. Very secretive;when not actively prowling, retreats beneath rocksor down burrows of other animals. Active fromApril to October; nocturnal during summermonths. Five to 17 eggs per clutch; eggs hatch in 1-3 months. Constrictor. Feeds on small mammals,small snakes and lizards.


� Speckled Kingsnake

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Speckled Kingsnake(Lampropeltis holbrooki)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 49¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales; belly yellow

and irregularly patterned with black; black head,body and tail profusely speckled with small yellow,cream or white spots. Yellow speckling on backforms narrow bars in juveniles and occasionally inadults.

H a b i t s : Inhabits moist areas of open woodland,woodland edge or lowlands as well as open prairie,and cultivated borders; frequents rocky hillsidesand small mammal burrows in open areas. Activefrom April to October, primarily during day;nocturnal in summer. Eggs in clutches of 2-17 andgenerally hatch in fall. Constrictor. Diet includesrodents, small birds, eggs (bird and reptile), lizardsand other snakes including venomous species.


� Western Milksnake

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Eastern Milksnake(Lampropeltis triangulum)

Western Milksnake(Lampropeltis gentilis)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 33¾ inches; weight up toalmost 4 ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth shiny scales. Thebody is cream or light gray covered with wide redblotches outlined in black; these same blotches aremore often orange-red separated by a white, lightgray or cream background color in the western two-thirds of Kansas. Head usually red or orange withblack markings; belly with checkerboard pattern ofdark and light. Young are patterned like adults, butcolors are brighter. Eastern Milksnake found inextreme southeast Kansas; the Western Milksnake isfound through the remainder of the state.

H a b i t s : Found under rocks and logs in forests, woodlandedge, pastures, sand hills, and rocky hillsides ofwestern Kansas; takes refuge beneath any availablecover with sufficient humidity. Active from March toOctober. Breeds in spring; lays from 3-24 eggs thathatch in July, August or September. Constrictor. Eatslizards, smaller snakes and small rodents.


� Coachwhip

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Coachwhip(Coluber flagellum)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 71¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales; yellowish

brown color on the rear part of the slender body;body scales have braided appearance. Two distinctcolor variants: may be uniform light yellowishbrown along entire length of body (western 2/3 ofKansas) or jet black on the front half, graduallybecoming yellowish brown on the rear orcompletely black (southeastern Kansas). Bellywhitish with indistinct small spots (west) or blackon the front half and light on the rear (southeast).Young are yellowish brown with dark browncrossbands on front of body that fade anddisappear on rear. Belly white, with two rows ofdark spots on front half.

H a b i t s : Found in widely varying habitat, from opengrassland prairies in western Kansas to rockyhillsides in open woodlands in southeastern part ofstate. Active from April to October; completelydiurnal, even during the hottest hours of day. Lays4-11 eggs in summer which hatch in fall. Feeds onbats, mice, birds, lizards and smaller snakes.


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Rough Greensnake(Opheodrys aestivus)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 34½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Named for the weakly

keeled, bright green scales covering its body. Aslender-bodied serpent with a white to yellow-colored belly. Tail is very long, almost 40% of totalbody length; tail is used as a counterweight whensnake is moving through branches of bushes andbrush. Young are miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Active during the day from April to earlyOctober. Prefers bushes or shrubs along edge ofstreams and swamps; sometimes found on openbrushy ridges, under rocks, or crossing roads. Verydifficult to observe because its color blends so wellwith green vegetation. Breeding occurs in spring orautumn; up to 10 eggs per clutch are laid in June orJuly. Specializes infeeding on caterpillars,grasshoppers, crickets,dragonflies, damselfliesand spiders.

� Rough Greensnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Smooth Greensnake(Opheodrys vernalis)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 26 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Named for its body color

and the smooth scales covering its body. A brightgreen serpent with a white to yellow-colored belly.It differs from the Rough Greensnake by havingsmooth scales, a shorter and stouter body, and itshabitat preference: it is a ground dweller. Theyoung are miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Active during the day from April to earlyOctober. Always found near the ground; preferscover along the edges of streams, but alsosometimes found in meadows and on open brushyridges. An egg-layer. Breeding occurs in spring orautumn; the eggs arelaid in June or July.Specializes in feeding oninsects and otherinvertebrates. Aharmless serpent thatnever bites.

� Smooth Greensnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


� Great Plains Ratsnake

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Great Plains Ratsnake(Pantherophis emoryi)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 52¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Weakly keeled scales; a

pattern of 25–45 squarish dark brown blotches on atan back; a checkerboard pattern of white and blackor dark gray markings on belly. Young resembleadults; almost indistinguishable from youngWestern Rat Snakes.

H a b i t s : Roams rocky hillsides and canyons andfrequently inhabits caves; avoids heavily forestedregions. Active from March to September; primarilynocturnal, prowling for food. During day, remainshidden beneath rocks or in caves and crevices.Number of eggs per clutch ranges from 3-30.Constrictor. Feeds primarily on small rodents andbirds. In region of caves, eats bats.


� Western Ratsnake

Prior to shedding,note the milky-blue

eye color of thisWestern Ratsnake.

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©Bob Gress



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Western Ratsnake(Pantherophis obsoletus)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 751⁄8 inches; weight up to3 pounds, 13 ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Keeled scales; generallyuniform black on the head, body and tail. Someadults have an indistinct pattern of dark blotches;those from south-central Kansas may be moredistinctly blotched. Belly cream or yellow-white,with large indistinct darker areas. Young arepatterned and colored like Great Plains Ratsnakes,but lose this pattern as they grow older. Theblotches on young Western Ratsnakes are darkerbrown and generally longitudinal (longer thanwide) compared to young Great Plains Ratsnakes.Their background color is also gray while that ofthe Great Plains Ratsnake is light brown to tan.

H a b i t s : Inhabits forested areas, particularly the rockyhillsides of open woodlands and wooded areasalong streams and rivers. Active from late March toNovember; becomes more nocturnal duringsummer. Home ranges of 25–30 acres; frequentlyseen climbing trees in search of food. Six to 44 eggsper clutch laid in June or July; hatch in 1-2 months.Constrictor. Feeds on bird eggs, birds, rodents andrabbits. Hawks are main predator.


� Gophersnake

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Gophersnake(Pituophis catenifer)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 88¾ inches; weight up to8 pounds.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Largest snake in Kansas;keeled scales; pattern of 33–73 large brown or blackblotches on brownish yellow body. Tail with well-defined alternating yellow and black bands. Bellyyellowish with variable black mottling. Young sameas adults.

H a b i t s : Lives in open grasslands as well as openwoodland and woodland edge. Active from Aprilto November; generally diurnal, basking in the sunor foraging for food. Number of eggs per clutchranges from 3-22. Constrictor. Most economicallybeneficial snake in Kansas, consuming largequantities of rodents and pocket gophers, also eatsrabbits, ground squirrels, birds and bird eggs.Emits a loud “hiss” when disturbed or frightened.


� Long-nosed Snake

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Long-nosed Snake(Rhinocheilus lecontei)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 34½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales. Upper

surface of body yellowish-cream with 18–35 blackblotches separated by pink or reddish interspaces;white belly may be unpatterned or with well-defined dark blotches. At least half the scales onunderside of tail not divided into two rows, acharacteristic not found in any other harmlesssnake in Kansas. Young look like little adults.

H a b i t s : Active from April to September; prefers opensandy regions and rugged prairie canyons.Breeding occurs in spring; from 4-9 eggs are laid inJune and hatch inAugust or September.Constrictor. Feeds onlizards, smaller snakesand small rodents.



Western Groundsnake(Sonora semiannulata)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 145⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales. A variably

patterned snake; may have any combination of 1-25black crossbands, a diffuse red stripe, orunpatterned on a tan, yellow, reddish-brown, orgray background. Belly cream or white. Young areminiature adults with equally variable pattern.

H a b i t s : Active from April to September; prefers to staybeneath flat rocks and in earth cracks on ruggedhillsides; may be nocturnal. Breeding occurs in Mayor June; from 4-6 eggs are laid in late June or July.Never bites. Feeds onspiders, scorpions,centipedes and variousinsects.

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� Western Groundsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Flat-headed Snake(Tantilla gracilis)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 95⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales smooth. Head slightly

darker than body. Body overall light gray tan tobrown to reddish-brown with salmon-pink belly.Six scales on each upper lip. Young same as adults.

H a b i t s : Found in varying habitats, from woodedhillside to prairie rock outcrop, and rural areas tocity parks, but always under such as flat rocks,boards and sheet metal. Very secretive; rarely seenin open. Never bites. Eats small invertebrates suchas centipedes and spiders and probably insects andtheir larvae.

� Flat-headed Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Plains Black-headed Snake(Tantilla nigriceps)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 14¾ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales smooth. Head much

darker than body. Body and tail overall lightyellowish-brown with pink or coral belly. Sevenscales on each upper lip. Young same as adults.

H a b i t s : Found under cover on prairie hillsides andsand prairies; be sure to check flat debris such asboards and sheet metal (sometimes cow patties).Very secretive; rarely seen in open except on warmsummer nights. Retreats to great depths beneaththe ground during cold weather. Never bites. Laysa clutch of eggs in spring or early summer withyoung hatching in late summer. Eats smallinvertebrates such ascentipedes and probablyinsects and their larvae.

� Plains Black-headed Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Western Wormsnake(Carphophis vermis)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up 143⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Shiny, glossy smooth scales.

Body uniform dark gray to brown above; pink orcoral belly, color extends up onto sides of the body.Head is flattened to aid in moving through looseearth. Young same as adults, but belly may be moreintense pink.

H a b i t s : Found under rocks, on rocky wooded hillsidesand along forest edge. Active from March toNovember; breeds in spring and lays up to 5 eggsthat hatch in August. Eats earthworms. Verysecretive; generally can only be found under rocksduring April; spends rest of year beneath theground. Never bites.

� Western Wormsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Ring-necked Snake(Diadophis punctatus)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 177⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales. Head and

body can be gray, blue-black or grayish-brown. Bellyis yellow with black spots. Underside of tail is brightorange-red. Conspicuous yellow or light orange ringaround the neck. Young resemble adults.

H a b i t s : Found under rocks and logs in forests, woodlandedge, pastures, urban lots, and rocky glades. Activefrom March-November. Breeds March to April; lays anaverage of 4 eggs per clutch that hatch by August orSeptember. Mostly eats earthworms. When touched onthe head, will often react by curling its tail anddisplaying its red underside toward the perceivedattacker. Never bites. Notuncommon to find 20 ormore under a single coverobject in eastern Kansasduring April-May.

� Ring-necked Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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� Plains Hog-nosed Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Dusty Hog-nosed Snake(Heterodon gloydi)

Plains Hog-nosed Snake(Heterodon nasicus)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 36 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Rough scales. A stocky

serpent with a sharply up-turned snout and a jetblack belly edged with bright yellow; underside oftail jet black edged with yellow. Body covered with23-50 dark brown blotches down back on a gray tolight tan background; rows of smaller diffuse spotson the sides alternating with those on back. Youngare miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Prefers sandy prairie; often found crossing aroad during the day. Breeding occurs in May; an average of 9 eggs per clutch are laid in July. Eats anything it can catch and swallow from toads to rodents. Seldom bites. When first encountered, spreads hood, hisses, and eventually rolls over and “plays dead.” The Dusty Hog-nosed Snake is only hypothesized to occur in Greenwood, Elk, and Chautauqua counties (blue shaded countries below).


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� Eastern Hog-nosed Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Eastern Hog-nosed Snake(Heterodon platirhinos)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 431⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Upturned snout; rough

scales; underside of tail much lighter in color thanbelly. Highly variable in color. Back, head and tailmay be yellow, brown, tan, reddish, olive or gray,with 20–30 dark brown or black blotches on backand similarly colored bands on tail. Sides of thebody with 2–3 series of small, dark spotsalternating with the blotches on the back. Belly maybe yellowish, gray, olive or reddish; becomes darkertoward the rear. Young same as adults.

H a b i t s : Lives in forested areas of eastern Kansas westalong major streams to the Colorado border. Preferssandy areas stretches along valleys of major rivers.Active from late April to October. Mating occursduring April and May; a single clutch of 4-61 eggsis laid; eggs are deposited in late June or July;incubation requires 50–65 days. Never bites. Feedsprimarily on toads. When first encountered,spreads hood, hisses, lunges at intruder andeventually rolls over and “plays dead.”


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Chihuahuan Nightsnake(Hypsiglena jani)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 163⁄16 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales; body and tail

are gray or tan to grayish-yellow with 50–70 darkbrown blotches on back; head is gray or brownwith three large elongate dark brown blotches onneck. Only harmless serpent in Kansas with pupilsthat are vertically slit when exposed to light. Youngare like adults.

H a b i t s : A small, secretive snake most often foundbeneath rocks on rugged hillsides between Mayand September. Breeding occurs in May and maycontinue during warm weather until fall; up to 5-6eggs are laid which hatch in a month or so. Feedsprimarily on small lizards and snakes. Never bites.When touched, may curlinto a tight cone with itshead tucked in themiddle for protection.

� Chihuahuan Nightsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Plain-bellied Watersnake(Nerodia erythrogaster)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 55½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Strongly keeled scales;

uniform cream or yellowish belly with indistinctdark shading on edges of scales; underside of tailuniform cream or yellowish; head, body and taileither a uniform dark gray, olive or brown (oldadults) or with 30–40 blotches of similar colorseparated by very indistinct light bands (youngadults). Young strikingly marked with dark brownbands and/or blotches separated by light bands.

H a b i t s : Inhabits swamps, marshes, ponds and slow-moving portions of streams; least aquatic of Kansaswater snakes. Active from March to October.During day, basks near water on driftwood, low-hanging branches, stumps or brush. At night,forages for food. Litters vary from 4-30 young bornin late July, August andSeptember. Adults feedon frogs; young prefersmall fishes.

� Plain-bellied Watersnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


� Diamond-backed Watersnake

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Diamond-backed Watersnake(Nerodia rhombifer)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 55½ inches; weight up to3 pounds, 14 ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Strongly keeled scales; darkspots shaped like half-moons scattered irregularlyon yellow belly; 30–65 narrow dark brown, black orgray bands on a light gray or yellowish gray body.Young same as adults.

H a b i t s : Inhabits permanent lakes, marshes andswamps and backwaters of rivers. Active fromMarch to September; basks during the day onbrush, logs and grassy banks along edge of water.In summer, searches for food at night. Large litters,ranging from 13-62 young are usually born fromAugust to early October. Feeds primarily on slow-moving or dead fishes.


Common Watersnake(Nerodia sipedon)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 47½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Strongly keeled scales; belly

with dark brown, orange, yellow, red and gray half-moons and speckles, widely spaced and scattered onthe front part of a gray or whitish belly; dark browncomplete bands on the front part of the body andalternating rows of brown, bright red, or grayblotches on the back and sides of the rear portion ofthe body; old adults are uniform brown or dark gray.Young have a more contrasting pattern than adults.

H a b i t s : Found in almost any aquatic situation, fromrocky streams and rivers to swamps, lakes andmarshes. Active from March to November; becomesnocturnal in the summer. Spends much of its timebasking in the sun on branches and logs whichoverhang water; discovered easily by looking underrocks along streams. Sixto 66 young per litter,born in August orSeptember. Eats smallfishes, plus some frogsand toads.

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� Common Watersnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Graham’s Crayfish Snake(Regina grahamii)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 405⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales keeled. Body is dark

brown or slate gray, with cream-colored or yellowstripes along the sides of the body just above thebelly. Belly is cream or yellow with two darkstripes. In older females the belly may be dark.Young look like miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Occurs along the margins of mud-bottommarshes, oxbow lakes, rivers and streams;particularly likes roadside ditches abundant withcrayfish. Active from late April to October, thissnake breeds in the spring and an average litter of16 young are born July–September. Feeds almostexclusively on crayfish.

� Graham’s Crayfish Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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DeKay’s Brownsnake(Storeria dekayi)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 16 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales keeled. Color can vary

from light yellowish brown, gray, reddish-brown, todark brown. Light gray, tan, or brown stripe downcenter of back, bordered by two rows of black,brown or dark gray spots. Belly can be cream-colored, pinkish or yellow. Top of head is dark, withtwo large black spots on either side of neck behindangle of jaw. Young look like adults, but are darker.

H a b i t s : Prefers moist environments of forests,woodland edge, swamps and floodplains. Activelate March-October, breeds in spring or fall andgives birth from late July-September to an averageof 12 young per litter. Feeds on earthworms, slugsand other soft-bodied invertebrates. Blunt headsand elongate teeth allowBrown and Red-belliedSnakes to extract thebody of land snails fromtheir shells.

� DeKay’s Brownsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Red-bellied Snake(Storeria occipitomaculata)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 12 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales keeled. Body may be

gray, brown, reddish brown, brownish yellow orblue black. Belly generally red, but can be yellow,black, orange or pink. Head darker than body, napeof neck has three light spots, often forming a collar.Young generally look like adults.

H a b i t s : Inhabits moist forests, hiding under logs,rocks and leaf litter. This snake is active at thesurface when sufficient moisture is present fromMarch to October and breeds in spring and fall. Anaverage of 8 young per litter are born in latesummer or earlyautumn. Eatsearthworms, slugs andother soft-bodiedinvertebrates.

� Red-bellied Snake ©Suzanne L. Collins


Checkered Gartersnake(Thamnophis marcianus)

Threatened Species in Kansas

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 33¼ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Rough scales. A serpent with

three stripes down the back; those on each side aresituated on the second and third scale rows(counting up from belly). The edges of the stripedown middle of back are uneven because they areinvaded by dark spots (part of a checkerboardpattern located between the stripes); a large yellowor cream crescent-shaped mark on each side of thehead behind the angle of the jaw. Belly cream oryellowish. Young look like miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Active from April to October; apparentlyforages along edge of aquatic areas, but is notrestricted to them. Sometimes found on canyonhillsides. Breeding occurs in spring; 6-18 young areborn from June toAugust. Feeds onamphibians,invertebrates, andprobably small rodents.

� Checkered Gartersnake ©Suzanne L. Collins

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Western Ribbonsnake(Thamnophis proximus)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 39½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales keeled. A slender

striped snake, with a yellow or orange stripe downcenter of back and two, yellowish-cream coloredstripes on the sides. These light stripes areseparated by two wide, black areas along the back.Head is dark with two small light spots on the top.Belly is cream colored or very pale green. Youngpatterned like adults.

H a b i t s : Prefers to live near the edges of wetlandhabitats such as swamps, sloughs, marshes andoxbow lakes, but is also found along streams.Active March-October and breeds April-May. Giveslive birth to an average of 12 young in August-September. Eats small frogs and fish.

� Western Ribbonsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins

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� Plains Gartersnake

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Plains Gartersnake(Thamnophis radix)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 411⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Keeled scales; single stripe

down middle of back and one on each side of bodysituated on third and fourth scale rows (countingfrom belly up); dark vertical bars on upper lips;alternating rows of black spots between stripes onbody. Stripe running down middle of back may bebright yellow or orange; stripes on sides arenormally yellow. Belly is white, grayish or greenish,with a row of black spots down each side. In centralKansas, may exhibit a bright red color between thethree body stripes. Young look like miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Prefers open grassy prairies, particularly alongedges of streams, marshes and lakes. Normallyactive from March to November; usually activeduring the day. Litters range in number from 5-60,born during late July, August or September. Feedson earthworms, toads, frogs, salamanders, fishesand small rodents.


� Common Gartersnake

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©Bob Gress


Plains Leopard Frogsare a favored food

for CommonGartersnakes.


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Common Gartersnake(Thamnophis sirtalis)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 44½ inches; weight up to14½ ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Keeled scales. Three yellowbody stripes, those on each side of body situated onsecond and third scale rows (counting from bellyup); pattern of black spots on a red backgroundbetween the stripes on the back. Belly is white,greenish or gray, with a row of small dark spotsalong edges. Young look like miniature adults.Note: Snakes of this species from southwesternKansas (Comanche to Seward counties) may lackred color on the back between the dorsal and lateralstripes and has a red or orange dorsal stripe.

H a b i t s : Found in a wide variety of habitats, includingmarshes and wet meadows, margins of ponds,woodland and woodland edge, floodplains andcultivated fields; prefers areas with moderatelymoist vegetation. Active from March to November.Home range of 22–35 acres. Young born in latesummer or fall; litters are large, varying from 4-85.Feeds chiefly on frogs and earthworms; occasionallyeats toads, small mice and other small snakes.


� Lined Snake

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Lined Snake(Tropidoclonion lineatum)

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 17½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Rough scales. A small

reptile, often mistaken for a Gartersnake because, ithas three cream to yellow dorsal stripes down thegray to tan body. Unlike Gartersnakes (and theWestern Ribbonsnake), the Lined Snake has adouble row of black spots down the middle of thebelly. Young look like tiny adults.

H a b i t s : Active from April to October; prefers to staybeneath rocks or debris on the hillsides of openprairies and woodland edge, but can often be foundbeneath trash in the middle of small towns andcities. Breeding occurs in both spring and fall; from2-12 young are born in August. Feeds onearthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates.


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Rough Earthsnake(Haldea striatula)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 111⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Scales smooth to the touch,

but some are weakly keeled beginning on themiddle of the back and extending over the rear ofthe body. A small gray or light brown serpent witha white or grayish belly. Five scales on each upperlip. Young are miniature adults, but may have ayellow area on the middle of the head just behindthe eyes.

H a b i t s : A secretive reptile, spending its time beneathrocks and debris. Breeding occurs in April or May;from 2-9 eggs are laid from July to September.Never bites. Feeds on earthworms, slugs and snails.

� Rough Earthsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


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Smooth Earthsnake(Virginia valeriae)


S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 12 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Harmless. Smooth scales on front of

body; weakly keeled scales on rear. A plain coloredsnake; body is brown, gray or reddish brown withtiny black spots or flecks. Six scales on each upperlip. Belly is white, cream-colored or light yellow.Young look like small adults.

H a b i t s : This small snake is active from April toOctober in moist forests, with ample rocks, logs orleaf litter under which to hide. It breeds in springor fall and gives live birth in late summer to 2-14young. Never bites. Like many other smallwoodland snakes it eats earthworms, slugs andsoft-bodied insects.

� Smooth Earthsnake ©Suzanne L. Collins


� Broad-banded Copperhead /Eastern Copperhead

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Broad-banded Copperhead(Agkistrodon laticinctus)

Eastern Copperhead(Agkistrodon contortrix)

Venomous

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 40 inches; weight up to 14ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Pattern of 7-20 distinct hourglass-shapedlight-edged bands with no rattle on tail and a smallpit on each side of its head between and slightlybelow the eye and nostril. Varies in color from grayto light brown with dark gray to reddish-browncrossbands. Head may be gray, brown or reddish.Belly is white with large dark gray, brown or blackblotches on its edges extending a short distance uponto the sides of the body. Young look like miniatureadults, but with yellowish or greenish tails. The twospecies hybridize across most of Kansas.

H a b i t s : Prefers open rocky woodland, woodland edgeand meadows adjacent to woodland. Pattern andcolor of this snake blends perfectly with forest leaflitter. In summer, it becomes nocturnal. Because ofits shy disposition and camouflage pattern, thissnake exists in reasonably large numbers near areasof human population. During spring and fall, it isoften found on wooded hilltop rock outcrops with asouthern exposure. One to 14 young per litter areborn from August toOctober. Eats insects,frogs, toads, lizards,small birds and othersnakes; particularly fondof rodents.


� Northern Cottonmouth

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Northern Cottonmouth(Agkistrodon piscivorus)

Venomous

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 36 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : It is a misconception that this species

occurs broadly across the state. It is commonlyconfused with several species of non-venomouswater snakes of the genus Nerodia. The onlyvalidated records of this species in Kansas are fromthe Spring River drainage in extreme southeasternKansas. Uniformly dark gray or black with no rattleon its tail and a small pit on each side of its headbetween and slightly below the eye and nostril;indistinct bands are present on the back and sidesbut normally can be seen only when the snake issubmerged in water. Belly is dark. Young adultsmay be banded. Young are banded like juvenileCopperheads; yellowish or greenish tails.

H a b i t s : During spring and fall, active along smallstreams and backwaters. In summer, becomesnocturnal and prowl oxbows and other still waterhabitats. During the fall, leaves aquatic situationsand travels to upland den. Two to 15 young perlitter are born in August and September. Eatsinsects, fishes, salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards,other snakes, birds and small mammals.


� Timber Rattlesnake

56



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Timber Rattlesnake(Crotalus horridus)


Venomous

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 63½ inches; weight up to5 pounds, 4 ounces.

D e s c r i p t i o n : Largest rattlesnake in Kansas. Pit oneach side of head between and slightly below eyeand nostril; large rattle at end of a jet black tail;small scales covering most of top of the head withone large scale over each eye; pattern of 18–33 darkbands or chevrons on the back. Head and bodyvary from pinkish gray to yellowish brown;indistinct rusty, reddish stripe often runs downmiddle of back. Belly grayish white. Young looklike miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Active by day during spring and fall inrugged terrain along heavily vegetated, rockyoutcrops on partially forested hillsides; in summer,moves to open sparsely wooded meadows andhillsides. Prowls at night during hot weather. Fiveto 14 young per litter are born in August,September and October. Feeds on small mammals,as well as on smaller snakes.


� Prairie Rattlesnake

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Prairie Rattlesnake(Crotalus viridis)

Venomous

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 571⁄8 inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Pit on each side of head between and

slightly below the eye and nostril; large rattle ontail; small scales covering most of top of head withone large scale over each eye; pattern of 30–55 lightgreen to brown blotches on the back; dark bands onthe tail. Head, body and tail are greenish gray tolight brown; tail bands similar in color to bodyblotches. Belly grayish, yellowish, or cream. Younglook like miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Prefers rocky canyons and open prairies withan abundance of small mammal burrows. Suns onsouth-facing hillsides with large rocks in spring andfall; roams up to 15 miles from the den in summer,when it is often nocturnal. Females produce 5-18young per litter, born in spring, summer or fall.Eats lizards, rats, mice, and pocket gophers.


� Western Massasauga

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Western Massasauga(Sistrurus tergeminus)

Venomous

S i z e : Length in Kansas up to 33½ inches.D e s c r i p t i o n : Smallest rattlesnake in Kansas. Small

pit on each side of head between and slightly beloweye and nostril, a small rattle on the tail and ninelarge scales on top of head. Head, body and tail aregray or light brown with 20–50 dark brownblotches on back; smaller bands on tail. Bellymottled, blotched or light with an indistinctpattern. Young look like miniature adults.

H a b i t s : Found in a wide variety of habitats rangingfrom arid open sagebrush prairie and rocky, prairiehillsides to open wetlands; seems to reach a peak ofabundance in grassy wetlands where it overwintersin crayfish burrows. Diurnal during spring and falland prowls at night during summer. Three to 13young per litter are born in July and August. Eatsfrogs, lizards, other snakes and rodents.


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SnakebiteDeath from snakebite is rare. There is only one

documented fatality in Kansas since 1950. Snakebitesstill occur and knowing what to do is important foranyone who spends time in areas where venomoussnakes are found.

PrecautionsAlways wear protective clothing when hiking the

rugged areas of Kansas and never go alone. Wear glovesif possible and don’t stick your hands under rock ledges,logs or stumps. Sturdy, high boots are preferred footwear.Stay on paths or trails and watch where you walk. If youdiscover a venomous snake, don’t try to catch or harassit. Venomous snakes are a fascinating part of ourenvironment. They are easy to observe and make easysubjects to photograph with an appropriate lens.

Be familiar with the venomous snakes of Kansas. Learnto recognize the harmless snakes that resemblepotentially dangerous ones. For example, watersnakesare frequently mistaken for Northern Cottonmouths.

If you are bittenby a snake

Was the snake venomous? Ifyou know you have beenbitten by a harmless snake, itwill save you much stress andeliminate the need fortreatment. Many people arebitten by harmless snakeseach year and experiencenothing but small scratchesthat readily heal.

If you are certain aPrairie Rattlesnake ©Bob Gress


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venomous snake wasinvolved, get to the nearesthospital or medical facility asquickly as possible. Ifpossible, notify them ahead oftime via telephone of yoursituation. This gives thephysician time to prepare andcall the nearest poisoninformation center for advice. The Arizona Poison andDrug Information Center in Tucson, (800-222-1222),maintains a list of which types of antivenins (sometimescalled antivenoms) are available and can advise aphysician where to call in the event of a bite from avenomous snake. Regional Poison Information Centersare also important sources of information.

If bitten by a venomous snake• Stay calm.• Treat for shock.• Drive to nearest hospital or medical facility.• Do not attempt to kill or capture the snake. It gives the

snake another opportunity to bite.• Do not use a tourniquet. If tied too tight, it may cause

the loss of a limb.• Do not make cuts through or near the site of the bite.• Do not try to suck venom from the site of the bite. You

might have a tooth cavity or gum sore and this wouldplace venom into that wound.

• Do not allow anyone, including a physician, toadminister antivenin to you UNLESS you have FIRSTbeen tested to determine whether or not you areallergic to antivenin.

Copperhead ©Bob Gress


HerpetologyHerpetology is the study of amphibians, turtles, reptiles

and crocodilians. Individuals interested in studying orobserving native Kansas snakes are encouraged to joinand participate in the activities of the KansasHerpetological Society. You can obtain membershipinformation from the KHS website (link below).

Interested in learning more about snakes in Kansasand North America? Check out the following web sitesand books:

• Kansas Herpetological Society (cnah.org/khs)• Kansas Herpetofaunal Atlas

(webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp)• The Center for North American Herpetology (cnah.org)

• Amphibians, Reptiles, and Turtles in Kansas. By Joseph T. Collins, Suzanne L. Collins, and Travis W. Taggart, Eagle Mountain Publishing, Utah

• Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Fourth Edition. By Robert Powell, Roger Conant & Joseph T. Collins, Houghton Mifflin, Boston

Ventral view of a Ring-necked Snake showing thetypical coloration and small scattered spots. Thebright red underside of the tail is displayed whenthe snake is disturbed.

©B

obG

ress

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HerpetocultureHerpetoculture is the art of

maintaining amphibians,turtles, reptiles andcrocodilians in captivity. AllKansas snakes are protectedfrom commercial exploitationand may not be sold in petshops or any other outlet,retail or wholesale. Unlessotherwise exempt (under 16 or over 65 years of age forexample), a current Kansas hunting license is requiredfor collecting and maintaining harmless snakes in orderto observe and study them. Any kind of native snake notdesignated as Endangered, Threatened or a Species in Needof Conservation is eligible. State regulations require nomore than five individuals of each kind be maintained.Individuals wishing to explore this fascinating avocationare encouraged to subscribe to Reptiles magazine(consult Herpetoculture on The Center for NorthAmerican Herpetology web site at cnah.org).

Prairie Kingsnake eggs ©Bob Gress

Shed skin from ©Bob GressSpeckled Kingsnake

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In MemoriamJoseph T. Collins

1939 - 2012Kansas has an exceptionally rich history in herpetology as

many of the most recognizable names in the field have calledKansas home. As a result, Kansas’ native reptiles andamphibians are as well-studied as any similarly sized place onearth. Since the late 1800s, scientists have marveled at thediversity and abundance of amphibians and reptiles in Kansas.The labors of their work fill scientific journals and the thesiscabinets at every state university.

Joe Collins came to Kansas in 1967 and quickly beganadding to this body of work. More importantly, Joe dedicatedhimself to sharing this wealth of information with the public.Through presentations, radio and television appearances, thepublication of many books, and even an audio cassette, Joebrought his passion for herpetology into the homes ofcountless Kansans. He helped formed the KansasHerpetological Society, which is the largest academicallyoriented state herpetological organization; despite that most ofits members have jobs far outside of herpetology.

A Pocket Guide to Kansas Snakes is one of the latest effortson Joe’s behalf to educate Kansan’s on those things he helddear. Joe gave out the snake guides by the hundreds and healways had one in hand as he approached a landowner orhappened upon a couple kids with a dip net on some backroad. He encouraged everyone to take two and to give them tofriends. His tireless efforts have certainly opened the eyes ofmany citizens, helped to spur on generations of youngherpetologists, and probably even saved a few snakes.

Joe passed away in January, 2012, while doing what heloved most: collecting snakes with friends and family. We hopeyou get as much enjoyment from using this pocket guide as hedid bringing it to you.

• Travis W. Taggart, Research Associate, Curator of Herpetology, Sternberg Museum of Natural History; Director, The Center for North American Herpetology

• Suzanne L. Collins, The Center for North American Herpetology

• Bob Gress, Photographer; Former Director, Great Plains Nature Center 1996-2012


A Note on TaxonomyCommon names used in this pocket guide follow

those used in: (Crother, B. I. (ed.) 2017. Scientific and Standard English Names of Amphibians and Reptiles of North America North of Mexico. 8th Edition. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, Herpetological Circular No. 43) Taxonomy follows that of the most recently published scientific works available as of November 2017.

Gophersnake ©Bob Gress

Plains Hog-nosed Snake ©Bob Gress

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Pocket Guides Jim Mason, Editor

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Single copies of GPNC Pocket Guides may be picked up free at the Great Plains Nature Center. All GPNC Pocket Guides may also be downloaded in pdf format from GPNC.org. Copies can be mailed for $3.00 each by sending your check, payable to FGPNC, to: Pocket Guides, Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220.

Great Plains Nature CenterThe Great Plains Nature Center is a cooperative project between the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, and the City of Wichita Department of Park and Recreation. The GPNC features the Koch Habitat Hall, Owl’s Nest gift shop, Coleman Auditorium, and 2 miles of Chisholm Creek Park nature trails. The Friends of the Great Plains Nature Center was formed to increase awareness of and help sustain the Center’s environmental education mission. For more information visit the Great Plains Nature Center web site at gpnc.org. Please visit or contact us at Great Plains Nature Center, 6232 East 29th Street North, Wichita, KS 67220 or phone us at 316-683-5499

Sixth EditionText © 2017 Joseph T. Collins, Suzanne L. Collins,Travis W. Taggart and the Great Plains Nature Center.

Kansas HerpetologicalSociety

The KHS is a non-profit organizationdesigned to encourage scholarship,research, and dissemination of scientificinformation through the facilities of theSociety; to encourage conservation ofwildlife in general and of the herpetofaunaof Kansas in particular; and to achievecloser cooperation and understandingbetween herpetologists, so that they maywork together in common cause. –cnah.org/khs

Sternberg Museum ofNatural History

The Sternberg Museum of NaturalHistory advances an appreciation andunderstanding of Earth’s natural historyand the evolutionary forces that impact it.With an emphasis on the Great Plains, ourgoals are accomplished through research,publications, collections, interpretiveexhibits, and educational programs createdby our staff, colleagues, and community. –sternberg.fhsu.edu

Chickadee CheckoffThe Chickadee Checkoff program is a

voluntary donation program for nongameprojects sponsored by the Kansas Departmentof Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Kansastaxpayers are able to contribute on theirindividual state income tax form. Donationscan also be made by sending a check toChickadee Checkoff Program, 512 SE 25thAve., Pratt, KS 67124. Since 1980, theChickadee Checkoff program has distributedover $4 million to projects that helpendangered species, assist in reintroductionefforts of sensitive species, supports wildlifeeducation projects at schools and naturecenters, and supports hundreds of othernongame conservation projects.

Westar Energy Green TeamWestar Energy, Inc. is the largest utility

in Kansas serving nearly 700,000customers with about 35,000 miles oftransmission and distribution lines. Since1989, their employees have operated anenvironmental team. The Green Teammembers volunteer hours to improvewildlife habitat through wetland creationand restoration and native grass and treeplanting. They build bridges and trails andwork to protect and reintroduce sensitiveplant and animal species. The Green Teamcan be contacted at 785-575-8125 or [email protected].


Center for North American Herpetology

The Center for North American Herpetology (CNAH) was established to benefit the North American herpetofauna and the scientists that study them. CNAH serves as a data bank for information about North American amphibians and reptiles and promotes research on them by financial support of selected publications, photography, and any other appropriate medium, as well as the establishment of awards for excellence in research about these fascinating creatures. – cnah.org

Documents

APOCKET G KansasSnakes - GPNC · 2018-10-17 · body scales have braided appearance. Two distinct color variants: may be uniform light yellowish brown along entire length of body