Lined Snake Tropidoclonion lineatum

This rare, small prairie snake has been found in only one county in Minnesota, Rock County. The name "lined snake" refers to its 3 stripes: 1 stripe down the back and 2 stripes along the sides. Garter snakes can look like the lined snake, but they don't have the double row of black half-moons on their belly that lined snakes do. The lined snake overwinters in rock crevices and animal burrows, emerging from hibernation in late April. In August, 2-13 young are born in thin transparent membranes. Lined snakes are active mostly at night, but may bask in the sun during spring and early fall. They eat mostly earthworms and other small soft-bodied animals that can fit in its small mouth. Like many rare prairie wildlife species, the lined snake needs native prairie habitat, which remains on only a small part of the landscape. Learn more.