Lined Snake

Family: 
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description: 

This small, secretive snake is fairly easy to identify. It is mainly brown to grayish-brown, with three lighter-colored stripes down the length of its body and a distinctive double row of half-moon-shaped markings along the belly. It will release a foul-smelling musk from the base of the tail when handled.

Size: 
Length averages from 8 to 15 inches (20-38 cm).
Habitat and conservation: 
Lined snakes live in a wide variety of habitats, from native prairies and glades, to old trash dumps and empty town lots.
Foods: 
This species feeds primary on earthworms.
Distribution in Missouri: 
Lives mainly in the western part of the state with scattered populations in extreme northeast counties and the St. Louis area.