Striped Swampsnake

Range

The striped swampsnake is endemic to the Florida peninsula.

Habitats

The striped swampsnake goes by many other names such as Allen's snake, the striped swamp snake, the striped crayfish snake, and the swamp snake. It dwells in bogs and swamps. They feed on crayfish, shrimp and dragonfly larvae. They have live births having 6 or more young at once.

Identification

The semi aquatic snake grows to a length of 13 to 20 inches, tail inclusive. Perhaps its most prominent feature is the smooth shiny black scales on its dorsum. It divides its total body area into two colors. Its dark dorsum is marked by indistinct stripes which gives the organism its name. The underside is yellow and marked with black blotches. Its scales are smooth and shiny while the anal region has keeled scales. The females are conspicuously larger than males.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians