Black Swampsnake
Liodytes pygaea
The Liodytes pygaea are fairly small snakes growing to about 550 mm in total length. While the young back swamp snakes are about 50.8 – 76.2 mm in total length. They are…
How to identify
The Liodytes pygaea are fairly small snakes growing to about 550 mm in total length. While the young back swamp snakes are about 50.8 – 76.2 mm in total length. They are glossy black aquatic snakes that have bright red bellies. The females are a lot longer and heavier-bodied than males. Although the males have longer and thicker tails.
Range
The Liodytes pygaea are found in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This is from eastern North Carolina to southern Alabama and throughout Florida.
Habitat
This specie is aquatic, and they occupy a large range of open aquatic habitats. These habitats include Carolina bays, roadside ditches, sphagnum bogs, sawgrass prairies and the perimeter of heavily vegetated ponds and lakes. These snakes are also very secretive. They are hardly seen even by experienced herpetologists. Sometimes, they are found crossing the road on rainy nights and hiding under debris or vegetation at the water’s edge. Their diet is made of small fish, tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, sirens, amphiumas and invertebrates. They are also ovoviviparous. They give birth to live young directly in shallow water. Their young usually range from 110 – 140 mm in total length.
Variations
Liodytes pygaea cyclas also known as South Florida Swamp Snake. Liodytes pygaea paludis also known as Carolina Swamp Snake. Liodytes pygaea pygaea also known as North Florida Swamp Snake.
Similar species
Liodytes rigida: Also known as Crayfish. They grow to about 410 mm in total length. They are also usually heavy-bodied. They are also olive brown dorsally. Lastly, two blackish dorsal stripes may or may not be there. Liodytes alleni: Also known as Striped Crayfish Snake. They grow to about 330 – 500 mm in total length. They also have a heavy body. The stripes which account for its name are distinct and found on the dark dorsal side.
Name and etymology
Pygaea: Latin for of the rear.
At a glance
Range
The Liodytes pygaea are found in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States. This is from eastern North Carolina to…
Habitat
This specie is aquatic, and they occupy a large range of open aquatic habitats. These habitats include Carolina bays, roadsid…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap