Queen Snake
(Regina septemvittata)
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Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) |
Color Photograph: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Color Photograph: U.S. National Parks Service
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Regina grahami The range of Graham's Crayfish Snake is mostly just westward of that of the Queen Snake (compare the distribution maps of the two species). The belly of Graham's Crayfish Snake is either plain or has a single row of spots down the midline compared to the distinct lines and rows of spots found in the Queen Snake.
Regina rigida The Glossy Crayfish Water Snake is a much stouter snake and has a distinct shiny appearance. Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) Identification: Snake 16 to 36 inches in length. Dorsal surface of snake matte gray, brown-gray, olive-gray, to nearly black. Lateral side of body with a conspicuous white to yellow stripe, stripe continuing on to the lower-lateral margin of the head. Head sometimes with dark, diffuse patches. Belly white to yellow with 2 to 4 distinct stripes toward the head, breaking into lines of spots towards the tail. Back sometimes with indistinct black to brown lines. Scales keeled and anal plate divided. Geographical Variation: None. Range (see map below left): The Queen Snake occurs in a band from the Great Lakes and Michigan southward throughout Ohio and Indiana to Alabama. The species is absent from the East Coast. Isolated populations occurs in Arkansas and Missouri. Habitat: This species is found in small rivers and streams with rocky shores and bottoms. Food: Almost exclusively crayfish and they are particularly fond of molting individuals. Behavior: The Queen Snake is aquatic and an excellent swimmer. When disturbed, they readily take to the water. Reproduction: This snake bears its young alive. A female produces 5 to 23 young during the summer and early fall.
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Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
Similar Species: Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahami) Glossy Crayfish Water Snake (Regina rigida)
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Similar Species |
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