Lined snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lined snake |
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| Tropidoclonion lineatum, lined snake | |
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| Genus: |
Tropidoclonion
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| Species: |
lineatum
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| Synonyms | |
The Lined Snake, also known as Tropidoclonion lineatum, is a small snake found only in North America. It belongs to a group of snakes called Colubridae, which are mostly harmless. This snake is the only species in its group, or genus, called Tropidoclonion.
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Other Names for the Lined Snake
People call the Lined Snake by many different names. Some of these names are common snake, dwarf garter snake, and grass snake. Other names include line snake, ribbon snake, and striped snake. It is also sometimes called the swamp snake.
Types of Lined Snakes (Subspecies)
There are four main types, or subspecies, of the Lined Snake. These are like different versions of the same animal.
- Tropidoclonion lineatum annectens – This is known as the central lined snake.
- Tropidoclonion lineatum lineatum – This is the northern lined snake.
- Tropidoclonion lineatum mertensi – This type is called Mertens' lined snake.
- Tropidoclonion lineatum texanum – This one is known as the Texas lined snake.
Why Some Names Have Parentheses
Sometimes, a name like Tropidoclonion lineatum lineatum has a name in parentheses, like (Hallowell, 1856). This means that when this snake was first described, it was put into a different group of snakes. Later, scientists moved it to the Tropidoclonion group.
Where the Name Comes From
The name mertensi for one of the subspecies honors a German scientist. His name was Robert Mertens, and he studied reptiles and amphibians.
Where Lined Snakes Live
The Lined Snake lives across the central United States. You can find them from the state of Illinois all the way down to Texas.
Lined Snake Homes (Habitat)
Lined Snakes like to live in grassland areas. They prefer places where the soil is soft and a little bit wet.
What Lined Snakes Look Like
The Lined Snake is usually olive green or brown in color. It has a special stripe that runs down its back. This stripe is usually tan or yellow and goes from its head to its tail.
It also has two other stripes, one on each side of its body. These stripes are on the second and third rows of scales. On its belly, it has a double row of black, half-moon shaped spots. These spots run right down the middle of its underside. The Lined Snake has a narrow head and small eyes.
Size of Lined Snakes
Most adult Lined Snakes are less than 35 centimeters (about 14 inches) long. This measurement includes their tail. However, the longest Lined Snake ever found was about 53 centimeters (21 inches) long.
How Lined Snakes Behave
Lined Snakes spend most of their time hidden. They are called "semi-fossorial" because they like to hide under things. You might find them under rocks, piles of leaves, or logs. They also like to bury themselves in the soft soil.
What Lined Snakes Eat
Lined Snakes mostly eat earthworms. Earthworms make up most of their food.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Lined Snakes give birth to live young. This is called being ovoviviparous. The baby snakes are usually born in August.
An average group of baby snakes, called a brood, has about seven or eight young. When they are born, newborn Lined Snakes are about 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 4¾ inches) long.
