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| Raking leaves during the winter sometimes results in happy surprises. Today, two small snakes were uncovered, hiding under a couple inches of leaf litter. The snakes were found together, suggesting kinship. However, these are actually two distinct species. Due to the weather, both snakes were sufficiently startled and sufficiently cold to allow for a brief photoshoot. Afterwards, they were returned to their shared home in the leaf litter. |
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| The larger, reddish-brown snake is De Kay's snake (Storeria dekayi). Note the characteristic band running down its back. Unfortunately, this poor animal is sometimes mistaken for an immature venemous snake and killed. In fact, it is a harmless native snake that subsists on insect vermin and other tiny critters. |
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| De Kay's snake (Storeria dekayi) |
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| The smaller individual is a rough earth snake (Virginia striatula). It is much more 'worm-like' in appearance. |
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| The rough earth snake (Virginia striatula) is a common find in the arboretum. They don't grow very large and have the same diet as the De Kay's snake. Interestingly, it's easier to find one of these guys in the winter than it is in the summer. Of course, they are also a little more difficult to catch in the summer! |
For more information about the different snakes (and also our frogs and toads) found in Louisiana, check out Brad Glorioso's excellent website, Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana.
