Lined Snake
Tropidoclonion lineatum • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Tropidoclonion, Species: lineatum
Central United States, ranging from Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota south to Texas and New Mexico, with isolated populations in Ohio and Colorado.
Look up Lined Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no threat to humans or pets; they are very docile and rarely attempt to bite.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Tropidoclonion, Species: lineatum
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. However, they are listed as a species of concern or endangered in certain peripheral states like Ohio due to habitat loss.
Physical Description
A small, slender snake with a base color of gray to brown. It features a prominent light-colored vertebral stripe (often cream or yellow) and similar lateral stripes. The head is small and not very distinct from the neck, with round pupils. The underside is white or cream with two rows of distinct black half-moon spots (lunettes).
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be an adult, approximately 8-12 inches long. Typical adult range is 8.2 to 15 inches (21-38 cm).
Habitat
Found in prairies, open woodlands, abandoned lots, and residential gardens. They are predominantly fossorial or secretive, hiding under rocks, logs, or leaf litter in moist soils.
Behavior & Temperament
Extremely secretive and primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. When handled, they are exceptionally docile but may release a mild musk from their cloaca as a defense mechanism.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized feeder primarily consuming earthworms; they use a mix of active foraging in moist soil and ambush tactics.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Litters typically consist of 2 to 12 neonates, usually born in late summer (August or September).
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Commonly confused with Garter Snakes (Thamnophis), but distinguished by their smaller size, lack of checkering, and the unique double row of half-moons on their belly. Not related to Copperheads despite the user's social media text; Copperheads have hourglass patterns and distinct pits.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. However, they are listed as a species of concern or endangered in certain peripheral states like Ohio due to habitat loss.
Cultural Significance
Often called 'urban snakes' because they survive well in city parks and vacant lots, providing natural pest control of garden invertebrates.
Notable Features
Often mistaken for a miniature garter snake, but its closest genetic relatives are actually the semi-fossorial earth snakes (Virginia and Haldea).