Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

12-16” brown to russet burrowing snake, sides often darker than back. Belly white with distinct black crossbars on ventral scutes, as well as on the anal and subcaudal scales. Tail spine-tipped, thick and proportionately short. Pupils round. Scales smooth and in 15 rows. Oviparous. Found in moist soils and also beneath moist surface debris.

Unique Features:

Belly white with distinct black crossbars on ventral scutes, as well as on the anal and subcaudal scales. Tail spine-tipped, thick and proportionately short. Pupils round.

Habitat and Diet:

Found in pastures, meadows, stream-edge where it can easily burrow in moist soils and beneath moist surface debris. Preferred prey item is slugs.

Geographic Range:

CA, OR, WA,