Water Snakes: Nerodia
Appearance:
The head of water snakes is narrow and pointed, in contrast to
the broad, triangular head of Burmese pythons.
Brown water snakes are light tan with darker brown squares on
the back, giving a checkerboard appearance (as opposed to the
puzzle piece appearance of Burmese pythons). The belly is
light colored with darker blotches and half moon shapes.
Brown water snakes can grow to 4.5 feet in length and are found
throughout the state except for the Keys.
Banded water snakes are heavy-bodied snakes that can grow 2-4
feet in length. They have dark brown or black crossbands down
the back that alternate with lighter tan or reddish
crossbands. The belly is yellow with worm-like black or red
markings and a dark line runs diagonally through the eye.
Florida green water snakes are stout snakes that can grow 3-4.5
feet in length. They can be tan, greenish, or orangish with
no distinctive markings except some speckling down the back.
Florida green water snakes can vary from light to very dark in
color.
Habitat:
Water snakes are harmless, nonvenomous native snakes that
typically inhabit wet areas. There are several species of
water snake common to peninsular Florida.
Banded water snakes inhabit nearly all freshwater habitats
throughout Florida except the Keys.
Florida green water snakes are found throughout Florida
except the Keys and typically inhabit calm waters of lakes,
prairies, marshes, ponds, estuaries, and slow-flowing canals.
Behavior:
Brown water snakes are good climbers and often bask on tree
limbs.
Additional Information:
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