Range: Ohio, extreme southern Ontario, & east Michigan to central Indiana

Size: 15 - 20 inches, max 27 inches

Lifespan: 20 years in captivity

Active: diurnal

Habitat: open prairie-like areas, wet meadows, marshy ponds & lakeborders, & other moist places

Temp.: temp gradient 72 -84F (22 - 29C) daytime; 68 - 74F night;
do NOT exceed 88F (31C)

Foods: earthworms, leeches, salamanders, small frogs,small fish, & (in captivity) pinky mice

Temperament: tend to be docile

Notes: livebearers
odd method of crawling when excited, thrashes vigorously with minimal forward movement