Kirtland's Snake

(Clonophis kirtlandi)

Color Photograph: Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Kirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandi)

Identification: Snake 14 to 24 inches in length. Body brown to gray with two irregular rows of large, dark spots along the side. Top of head usually black. Lower side of body white. Belly red with lines of black spots along its side. Scales keeled and anal plate divided.

Geographical Variation: None.

Range (see map on left): Kirtland's Snake has a limited range in the eastern Midwest from western Pennsylvania westward through Ohio, Indiana, and eastern Illinois.

Habitat: This snake species is found in a variety of wet habitats including open swamplands, wet meadows, and around woodland ponds.

Food: Earthworms and slugs.

Behavior: Although Kirtland's Snake could be classified as aquatic and is typically found near water, it is seldom found in the water. When disturbed it flattens its body. This species is most commonly found under rocks in wet meadows.

Reproduction:  Kirtland's Snake bears its young (4 to 15) live in August and September.

Kirtland's Snake (Clonophis kirtlandi)

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Similar Species

Kirtland's Snake, within its limited range, is distinctive and unlikely to be confused with any other snake.

Similar Species:

No Similar Species