Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
	There are only a handful of Queen Snakes recorded from Essex County, the first record being from 1985 making this the most recent addition to our list of native herpetofauna.  There are two or three known spots for this species within the county.  Queen Snakes are always found near water, usually along shorelines where it can easily find its main prey, crayfish.  They are a small (16-24") and rather plain looking snake.   The back is dark brown on top with a thin black stripe running down its spine and one along each side but these stripes are usually not obvious.  There is also a yellowish strip that runs down the side from the chin to the tail.  Their belly is yellowish with brown stripes running the entire length.  They are often found sunning in low shrubs and branches.  If you see a snake that you think is a Queen Snake please email me so that the ID can be confirmed and a record can be submitted.  This species is considered to be "threatened" in Ontario.
		Photo taken in Essex County.  This individual has some pretty severe scaring on its head but it seemed alert and well fed when in the hand.
			The belly of the same individual pictured above.
		Queen snake habitat.
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