Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
Hydrophis platurus
The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggests, it has a peculiar bright yellow belly and…
How to identify
The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggests, it has a peculiar bright yellow belly and a brown hind. It grows up to 110cm. They are usually found in tropical waters. The females are mostly larger than the males. It lives out its entire life at sea. Its tail is padded shaped, quite adapted to swimming. It has a yellow, dark-blue and blue pattern. It is the most universally dispersed sea snake species.
Range
The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggests, it has a peculiar bright yellow belly and a brown hind. It grows up to 110cm. They are usually found in tropical waters. The females are mostly larger than the males. It lives out its entire life at sea. Its tail is padded shaped, quite adapted to swimming. It has a yellow, dark-blue and blue pattern. It is the most universally dispersed sea snake species.
Habitat
Usually found in warm waters, hey are mostly carnivorous, feeding on unlucky fishes that fall prey to their motionless stance in water. Highly venomous, it immediately immobilizes and is harmful to fish. They are however quite reluctant to bite in water. They are prone to numerous parasitic worms. Studies have shown that they do not have good eyesight, thus, they have to rely on a small tactile sensory organ situated in their mouth to find fish. Reproduction typically takes place in the water, close to the surface. The males become sexually mature at 50cm while the females attain sexual maturity at about 60cm.
Similar species
Plain bellied water snake or nerodia erythrogaster is usually greenish gray, gray, brownish gray with a plain colored yellow belly. Its belly may be orange colored sometimes. It can be found in Missouri, US. It is medium sized, partly aquatic and a dark colored snake. Broad banded water snake or nerodia fasciata confluens can be found in Missouri. It has a length of about 35 inches. As the name suggests, it has striking broad asymmetrical shaped bands along its back. These bands are often brown, black, reddish brown, yellow or yellowish gray. It also has a yellow belly with a distinct black color. Mississippi green water snake or nerodia cyclopion can be seen in Florida and Missouri. It has a dark gray belly, with noticeable yellowish half-moon shapes. It is usually colored olive green and brown. It is about 45 inches.
Name and etymology
Platurus: Greek for flat (platys) tail (oura).
At a glance
Range
The likelihood of this organism to be mistaken for another is very low, because of its distinct features. As the name suggest…
Habitat
Usually found in warm waters, hey are mostly carnivorous, feeding on unlucky fishes that fall prey to their motionless stance…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap