[1][2] D. p. arnyi is very common within its range and can be found almost anywhere in Midwest North America, i.e., Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and northwestern Arkansas to South Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas.

[5] D. p. arnyi eats insects, frogs, salamanders, other snakes, lizards, and newborn rodents.

It may also twist its brightly colored tail and lie on its back to draw attention away from its head.

From June to early August, adult females of D. p. arnyi lay 1 to 7 eggs (average 4).

[6] D. p. arnyi will aestivate in the summer if the temperature is too hot and brumate in the winter when the weather is too cold.