Banded Watersnake
Nerodia fasciata
Dorsum can be yellowish, reddish, or grayish. Displays around 40 crossbands across body that can be either black, brown, or red. Scales are heavily keeled and are elongat…
How to identify
Dorsum can be yellowish, reddish, or grayish. Displays around 40 crossbands across body that can be either black, brown, or red. Scales are heavily keeled and are elongated under tail. Dark stripes run from corner of eye to end of mouth. Venter is usually light colored and displays dark spots, blotches, or lines. When threatened, issues feces and musk from its cloaca; lies close to the ground and will strike.
Range
Southeastern and southcentral United States eastward from Texas through North Carolina. As far south as southern Florida. A separate population exists in Sacramento County, California.
Habitat
Mostly inhabits areas near water sources including marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and rivers. Can even be found near the sea at the edge of saltwater sources like marshes and swamps. Will take shelter in burrows or under vegetative covering.
Variations
Juveniles are lighter in color and display more definite patterns than adults. Some older snakes turn dark brown completely.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Fasciata: Latin for banded
At a glance
Size
61 to 106.7 cm
Range
Southeastern and southcentral United States eastward from Texas through North Carolina. As far south as southern Florida. A s…
Habitat
Mostly inhabits areas near water sources including marshes, lakes, ponds, streams, swamps, and rivers. Can even be found near…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap