lined snake

The lined snake averages eight and three-fourths to 15 inches in length. It has a double row of black half-moons on its belly. The back is brown with three, gray, longitudinal stripes. The scales are keeled (ridged).

The lined snake may be found in scattered locations in central Illinois, although it is not common anywhere. It lives in vacant lots and former prairies, where it hides under rocks or debris during the day. The lined snake is active at night. When alarmed, it may release an unpleasant musk from glands at the base of the tail. Mating occurs in late August. Five to 10 young per brood are born to the female in August or September of the following year. This snake eats earthworms.