Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Summary 2
This trim little snake rarely grows longer than 18 inches. Its sharply pointed tail and sharp teeth have adapted it to the capture of slugs, apparently its single source of food. Adults are smoothly colored in shades of reddish brown or gray above, with indistinct yellow or red stripes down the sides. The underside is marked with cream or black bars. Although it has secretive habits, this attractive, harmless little snake can sometimes be found under logs or rocks in the warm, wet months of spring. It retreats underground when weather becomes hot and dry. (Taken from Hayes, Keller, and Kennedy. 1913. The Outdoor World of the Sacramento Region. American River Natural History Association.)
Sources and Credits
- (c) Bill Bouton, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://www.flickr.com/photos/8086030@N03/4427365292
- (c) Denise Garland, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
