Brown Water Snake

Nerodia taxispilota

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

Adult at a heavy-bodied 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet, this water snake is known to exceed a length of 5 ½ feet. Primary color brown. Light edged darker brown dorsal blotches and lateral bars. Dorsal and lateral markings are not in contact. Belly cream or yellow with extensive dark markings along the edges of the ventral scutes and a row of small dark spots in the center of the scutes. Persistently aquatic along rivers, streams, and occasionally, quiet waters. Persistently aquatic along rivers, streams, and occasionally, quiet waters. Scales keeled, anal plate divided. Ovoviviparous. Young, similar to adults. Frogs and fish are the principal food items.

 

Unique Features:

Primary color brown (rarely, tan). Light edged darker brown dorsal blotches and lateral bars as well as habitat will help provide identification.

 

Habitat and Diet:

Persistently aquatic along rivers, streams, and occasionally, quiet waters. Often basks several feet above the water on overhanging limbs from where, if startled it will drop into the water (or by accident, into a passing boat). Frogs and fish are the principal food items.

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, AL, NC, VA,