Mississippi Green Watersnake

Range

Southeastern United States. Primarily found in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. May occur as far north as Illinois, south into Florida, and east to Tennessee.

Habitats

Semi-aquatic. Found in wetlands, riparian zones, marshes, swamps, bayous, and ponds. Seldom found far from water sources, basks on shore in vegetation.

Identification

Adult length ranges from 30 to 55 inches. Occurs in dark green, olive, or brown dorsal coloration with yellow anterior underbelly. Posterior ventral side dark brown with white or yellow spots. Differs from other water snakes due to presence of one or more small scales underneath eye that appear like a ring of plates around the eye.

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