About Tropidoclonion lineatum (Hallowell, 1856)
This species, scientifically named Tropidoclonion lineatum (Hallowell, 1856), is commonly called the lined snake. Its body base color ranges from olive green to brown. A distinct tan or yellow stripe runs the full length of the midback from head to tail, and matching similar stripes run along each side of the body on scale rows 2 and 3. A double row of sharply defined black half-moon spots runs down the center of the snake's belly. It has a narrow head and small eyes. Most adult lined snakes reach a total length including the tail of less than 35 cm (14 inches), while the maximum recorded total length for the species is 53 cm (21 inches). At midbody, the keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 19 rows. The species only has 5 or 6 upper labial scales. The lined snake occurs across the central United States, ranging from Illinois through Colorado to Texas. Its preferred natural habitats are savanna, shrubland, and grassland areas that have soft, moist soils. It can also be found in disturbed and artificial habitats, including city backyards, vacant lots, and trash dumps. The lined snake is ovoviviparous. Its young are born in August, and the average brood size is seven or eight juveniles. Newborn juveniles measure 10–12 cm (4–4¾ inches) in total length at birth.
