Banded Water Snake

Scientific classificationedit

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata

Suborder: Serpentes

Family: Colubridae

Genus: Nerodia

Species: N. fasciata

The banded water snake, also known by its scientific name Nerodia fasciata, is a non-venomous snake species that is commonly found in the southeastern United States. With its distinct pattern of dark bands on a light-colored body, the banded water snake is a familiar sight to many people who live in or visit the region.

Physical Characteristics

The banded water snake is a relatively small snake, growing to an average length of 24-42 inches (60-106 cm). It has a slender body and a long, narrow head with a rounded snout. The scales on its body are keeled, meaning they have a ridge down the center, which helps the snake move through water more efficiently.

As its name suggests, the banded water snake has a distinctive pattern of dark bands on its body. The number of bands can vary, but they are usually brown or black and are separated by lighter-colored bands. The underside of the snake is cream or yellow in color.

Habitat and Distribution

The banded water snake is found throughout the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas. It prefers to live in or near bodies of water, such as swamps, marshes, rivers, and streams. It is also sometimes found in drainage ditches and other man-made water sources.

Behavior and Diet

The banded water snake is primarily active during the day, but may also be active at night during the hot summer months. It is a good swimmer and can often be seen swimming near the surface of the water. It is also an adept climber and may be found in trees near water.

The banded water snake feeds primarily on fish, but will also eat amphibians, crustaceans, and other small animals. It is an ambush predator, lying in wait for its prey to swim by before striking.

Reproduction

The banded water snake mates in the spring, with females laying eggs in early summer. The female can lay up to 30 eggs in a clutch, which she will then leave to develop on their own. The eggs hatch in late summer or early fall, and the young snakes are fully independent from the moment they emerge.

Conservation Status

The banded water snake is not considered to be a threatened species, but it is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and is sometimes killed as a result.