Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Ground color gray, brown or black with or without dark spots along the top of the lateral stripes. Dorsal stripe absent. Lateral stripes are usually present. Rarely all black with no markings. Belly yellow to orange. Ovoviviparous. Neonates are more brightly patterned than the adults. Scales keeled.

Unique Features:

Dorsal stripe absent. Lateral stripes are usually present. Rarely all black with no markings.

Habitat and Diet:

Considered a streamside species, often seen in streamside vegetation. Prey, worms and slugs as well as amphibians (including newt larvae), fish and fish eggs.

Geographic Range:

CA