Brown Water Snake
(Nerodia taxispilota)
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Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota) |
Color Photograph: U.S. Geological Survey
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Nerodia sipedon The Northern Water Snake is usually grayer, not brown and has a single row of bands along the body, not alternating blotches.
Nerodia rhombifer The Diamondback Water Snake has a network of blotches along the body, not isolated blotches.
Heterodon platyrhinos The Eastern Hognose Snake has a similar series of brown blotches along the top and sides of the body. However it head is wide, flat, and the tip of the snout is upturned. Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota) Identification: Snake 28 to 69 inches in length. A stout, large snake with a large, triangular head. Color brown to dark brown. Back with a series of dark brown blotches. Side with dark blotches alternating with the dorsal blotches. Belly yellow with several distinct dark spots, sometimes roughly arranged in rows. Scales keeled and anal plate divided. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below): A species of the southeastern United States ranging along the Atlantic Coast from Virginia to throughout Florida and westward along the Gulf Coast to central Alabama. Habitat: The Brown Water Snake is an aquatic animal and is found along lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, rivers, and streams. It is particularly common along shorelines with overhanging trees and shrubs. Food: Fish and frogs. Behavior: This species is active primarily during the day and is most commonly seen among aquatic vegation close to shore. It is sometimes seen basking or sleeping on tree limbs overhanging the water. It is an aggressive snake and can inflict a painful (but non-poisononous) bite when threatened. Reproduction: This species is a live breeder and produces 14-58 young during the months between June and October.
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Brown Water Snake (Nerodia taxispilota)
Similar Species: The Brown Water Snake is usually easily separable from other species of Water Snakes by its brown coloration and the dark blotches alternating along the top and sides of the body. Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos) |
Similar Species |
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