Description: Kirtland's snake is small and slender. Adults reach a total length (including tail) of 12-18 inches. It is grayish brown with a double series of large black spots down the back, and alternating smaller spots running down each side. The ventral scales are brick red with a prominent round black spot at each outer end. It has 19 rows of keeled dorsal scales at midbody, and the anal plate is divided.
Habitat: The preferred natural habitats of C. kirtlandii are forest, grassland, and wetlands such as swamps and marshes. It is almost always found very close to a water source, even though it is less aquatic than water snakes of the genus Nerodia which share its geographic range. Field studies have shown that populations are found within areas with abundant grass, herbaceous vegetation, and shrubs during the spring season.
Range: Kirtland's snake is found in Illinois, Indiana, northern Kentucky, southern Michigan, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania.
Diet: Kirtland's snake preys primarily on earthworms, slugs, minnows, salamanders, frogs, and toads. It has also been found to prey on juvenile crayfish, earthworms, slugs, small minnows, and leeches.
Reproduction: Kirtland's snake is ovoviviparous. Females give birth in August and September. Brood size varies from 4 to 22. Each newborn is 5–6¾ inches in total length and averages 1.4 gm in weight.
Status: The species Clonophis kirtlandii is listed as endangered in Indiana, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. It is listed as threatened in Illinois and Ohio, though current research in Ohio is leaning towards the snake being listed as vulnerable.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
){kind=link}
){kind=link}