Common Rainbow Snake

Farancia erytrogramma erytrogramma

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

 

Characteristics:

This 4 to 5 foot long snake is primarily aquatic but it also burrows into loose soil. It may emerge and be surface active on warm humid, or especially, on rainy nights. This snake has a very complex color pattern. Dorsal color: Shiny black above with 3 longitudinal red stripes. Lateral color: Each scale in scale rows 1 and 2 (the first 2 rows above the ventral scutes) is yellow with a red dot. Each scale in row 3 is yellow with a black dot. Ventral color: Each ventral scute has a black spot at each outer edge and an additional black spot in the center. Scales are smooth and in 19 rows; anal plate usually divided. Colors dull and the entire snake becomes bluish when ready to shed its skin. Tail tipped with a sharpened spinelike scale. This is a rear-fanged species that seldom if ever bites, even if handled carelessly, when restrained. Between a dozen and 52 eggs have been documented in clutches produced by this snake.

 

Unique Features:

If picked up, a rainbow snake is quite apt to writhe and press its tailtip spine into your hand or arm. This action is entirely harmless. Rainbow snakes are specialized feeders. Although hatchlings may eat tadpoles and frogs (and perhaps a random fish) for beginner’s meals, throughout the rest of their life they eat American eels

 

Habitat and Diet:

Clear springs and spring runs, tidally influenced brackish waters, cypress heads, and swamps. Rainbow snakes are specialized feeders. Although hatchlings may eat tadpoles and frogs (and perhaps a random fish) for beginner’s meals, throughout the rest of their life they eat American eels.

 

Geographic Range:

FL, GA, SC, AL, NC, VA, LA, MD, MS,