Copper-bellied Water Snake
Nerodia erythrogaster copper
Venom Status:
Non Venomous
 
Characteristics:
Mostly aquatic. Russet to near black back and sides; copper to red-orange belly, often with much dark pigment along the sides of, or even crossing, the ventral plates. Upper and lower labial between-scale-sutures are dark. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles russet with prominent broad barring on back and sides. Dorsal blotches often touch and make an irregular band. Scales keeled, anal plate divided
 
Unique Features:
Russet dorsum and dark-smudged red-orange belly are distinctive
 
Habitat and Diet:
River bottom swamps are a preferred habitat of this Federally protected snake. Prey items include frogs and fish
 
Geographic Range:
TN, KY, IL, IN, MI, ID, IA, OH