Mississippi Green Watersnake
Nerodia cyclopion
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…
How to identify
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.
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.
Habitat
Semi-aquatic. Found in wetlands, riparian zones, marshes, swamps, bayous, and ponds. Seldom found far from water sources, basks on shore in vegetation.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Cyclopion: Greek for one-eyed giant, Cyclops (kyklopion).
At a glance
Range
Southeastern United States. Primarily found in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. May occur as far north as Illinois, south i…
Habitat
Semi-aquatic. Found in wetlands, riparian zones, marshes, swamps, bayous, and ponds. Seldom found far from water sources, bas…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap