Orange-Striped Ribbonsnake
Family:
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
This long, slender snake is a type of gartersnake. Two wide, black stripes border a yellow or orange stripe down its back, and often there is a yellow or orange spot on the head. The belly is greenish. As with other gartersnakes, this species will secrete a foul-smelling musk from glands at the base of the tail when first captured.
Size:
Length ranges from 20 to 30 inches (51-76 cm).
Habitat and conservation:
This snakes lives in wooded areas near water and may be seen along the banks of streams or the edges of ponds. It is seldom far from water.
Foods:
Ribbonsnakes eat small frogs and, sometimes, minnows.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide.
Status:
Our subspecies of western ribbonsnake is the orange-striped ribbonsnake, named, naturally, for the attractive orange (or yellowish) stripes running down the length of its body. 
Shortened URL
mdc.mo.gov/node/6610
