Ground Snake

Range

Two records from Benton County.

Description

Smooth scales. A snake with variable color and pattern; color may be red-brown, gray or tan. Can be unpatterned or have black crossbars on the back. Belly is white or cream-colored. Young look like adults. Adults 8-12 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits

An inhabitant of dry, rocky cedar glades or rocky, open forests with southerly exposures. Active from April-October, it breeds in spring or fall and lays 4-6 eggs that hatch in late summer. Feeds on scorpions, centipedes, spiders and small insects. It is the rarest known snake in Arkansas.