Reptiles
Dekay's Brown Snake
Storeria dekayi
What it looks like:
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dark lung-shaped pattern on top of its head
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rhombus/diamond pattern, more so by the tail
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white stripe on the back
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smaller than a human hand
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overall color: beige
Observed Habitat/Behavior
Found in garden bed; moved away quickly
Massachusetts Conservation Status
Common
Massachusetts Native Status
Native
Photo/observer: Isa
Natural History
The DeKay's brown snake is a very small snake, often found in urban or suburban habitats. They like having things to hide in or under, like buildings, rock walls, or other structures. They are skilled at eating earthworms and insects and other invertebrates.
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Source: Wildlife of Connecticut
Eastern Garter Snake
Thamnophus sirtalis
What it looks like:
Three yellow stripes on a greenish-black background. Light underbelly.
Observed Habitat/Behavior
Just start typing
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Massachusetts Conservation Status
Common
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Massachusetts Native Status
Native
Photo/observer: Rune
Natural History
Include any background information about the organism that you know and can back up with either online or written sources. This helpful information is something you didn't discover yourself (even if you observed signs that support it), because it is based on observations researchers made about many individuals or an entire population. This may include helpful information about species diet, life cycle/breeding, habitat, current range in North America, or predators/threats.
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You must include the source of your information. Even if you own the knowledge, you must provide a source that supports your research.
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Source: (full name of book, article, or website where background information was found)