ROUGH EARTH SNAKE

Photo © by Suzanne L. Collins
Used by permission

SPECIES IN
NEED OF CONSERVATION

• Size:   Length in Kansas up to 11 3/8 inches.

• Description:   Harmless. Scales smooth to the touch, but some are weakly keeled beginning on the middle of the back and extending over the rear of the body. A small gray or light brown serpent with a white or grayish belly. Five scales on each upper lip. Young are miniature adults, but may have a yellow area on the middle of the head just behind the eyes.
• Habits:   A secretive reptile, spending its time beneath rocks 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.

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and what to do if you have been bitten by one.