Nearctica - Natural History - Snakes of North America - Mississippi Green Water Snake (Nerodia cyclopion)

Nerodia floridana

The Florida Green Water Snake is the most similar and closely related species. The ranges of the two species appear to be nearly allopatric (non-overlaping). The belly of the Mississippi Green Water Snake is dark with a series of light spots, but the belly of the Florida Green Water Snake is light and unmarked.

Agkistrodon piscivorus

The Cottonmouth is commonly mistaken for this species. However it is a dark species and opens its white mouth in a distinctive threat display when disturbed.

Nerodia erythrogaster

The Plain-bellied Water Snake has a red to yellow belly.

Nerodia rhombifera

The Diamondback Water Snake has distinctive dorsal and lateral pattern.

Nerodia sipedon

The Northern Watern Snake has a distinctive dorsal and lateral pattern.

Identification: Snake 30 to 74 inches in length, heavy bodied with a large head. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of body without distinctive markings, at most dark speckling. Color olive-green, gray, or sometimes reddish. Belly dark with light spots. Underside of head shaded with green. An extra scale is present between the eye and scales of the upper lip. Young individuals with distinct crossbars on the back.

Range (see map on left): This species ranges from southeastern Texas eastward to Louisiana and southwestern Alabama, and northward in the Mississippi drainage to southern Illinois.

Habitat: The Mississippi Green Water Snake can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats with still water, but is most prevalent in wooded swamps.

Behavior: This species is primarily diurnal. It is commonly seen basking on branches overhanging the water. Like most other Water Snakes, it will bite when threatened, but is less likely to do so than many other species.

Reproduction: The Mississippi Green Water Snake bears its young live. Adults mate in March and April and young are born throughout the summer.