Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

A 12-16” brown to russet burrowing snake, sides often darker than back. Often an indistinct reddish dorsolateral line on each side. Belly white with pale, narrow, black crossbars on most ventral scutes, Incomplete or absent on the anal and subcaudal scales. Tail spine-tipped, thick, but proportionately long. Pupils round. Scales smooth and in 15 rows. Oviparous. Found in moist soils and also beneath moist surface debris.

Unique Features:

Belly white with pale, narrow, black crossbars on most ventral scutes, Crossbars incomplete or absent on the anal and subcaudal scales. Tail spine-tipped

Habitat and Diet:

Forested areas where it may burrow in moist soils or beneath moist surface debris. Preferred prey item is slugs.

Geographic Range:

CA, OR