#Milksnake keeled Offline#

Indiana's milksnakes were once recognized as one of two subspecies-the Red Milksnake ( L. They may be found in dense forests and in open grasslands, but prefer edge habitat. They are most common where prey populations (primarily rodents and lizards) are abundant and are commonly found under boards, sheet metal, and other debris around farms, junkyards, and in old fields. Northern Watersnakes are superficially similar, but have strongly keeled scales and lack patterning on their head.Įastern Milksnakes are found throughout Indiana but are only locally abundant. In northwestern Indiana, Eastern Foxsnakes are similar, but have slightly keeled scales and a more distinct head/neck. In western Indiana, Prairie Kingsnakes can be difficult to differentiate from this species, but they tend to be more robust with less vibrant/distinct coloration. Eastern Milksnakes are medium-sized snakes with most individuals growing to two to three feet (60 - 90 cm) long, and some reaching lengths of nearly four feet (1.2 m) long. Most juvenile Eastern Milksnakes have brighter red colors that fade to brown as they age. Eastern Milksnakes in southwestern Indiana are more typically white-gray with brilliant red blotches and extensive red coloration on the head. Most Indiana Eastern Milksnakes are gray to light brown with darker brown or red blotches/bands. Thank you for doing your part to help conserve Maine’s reptiles and amphibians.This relatively common and widespread species is easily mistaken for the many other blotched snakes that occur in Indiana. This serves as a check on the locations automatically generated by smartphone cameras, which may be imprecise if cell service or GPS coverage is weak.

When submitting an observation through iNaturalist add a description of the location (and other noteworthy information) to the “notes” field.

Or upload sightings to the iNaturalist citizen science project through their website at or mobile app.

#Milksnake keeled Offline#

Click here to download the survey to your device while connected, then take offline to collect observations from anywhere. Tip: The survey works best on Google Chrome and Safari. Submit your reptile or amphibian observation online If a township lacks a photo or specimen record, we want your observation! There are two ways to share your observations: To see if a township still needs documentation of a species, consult this distribution map (PDF).

There is much still to learn about the distribution and ecology of Maine’s herpetofauna, and we encourage members of the public to share their photo-documented observations as part of the Maine Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project (MARAP).

Vibrates tail when frightened, often confused with rattlesnakes.

Often found around farm buildings (origin of the myth that it suckles milk from cows), where it preys on abundant small mammals.

Lays eggs in July under cover, or in loose substrate such as sawdust, manure, and sand.Hibernates in old wells, stone walls, and rock crevices, and sometimes in attics and basements of homes.

Primarily eats small mammals such as mice, voles, and shrews.Commonly found under rocks, logs, boards, and debris piles.Found in forested uplands, brushy fields, meadows, grassland, old buildings, and rock outcrops.Rulemaking Proposals Open to Public Comment.