Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Mostly aquatic. Adults: Plain brown to reddish-brown dorsally and laterally. Basically plain orange-red below but there is a smudge of duskiness on the hidden corners of each ventral scute. The belly is quite apt to be the brightest red along a central line from throat to anal plates. Upper and lower labial between-scale-sutures are dark. Scales keeled, anal plate divided. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles: Strongly patterned with dark dorsal blotches and lateral spots. Belly whitish with a dusky spot on the hidden corners of each ventral scute. Tadpoles, frogs and fish are the principal food items.

Unique Features:

Russet dorsum and red-orange belly are distinctive.

Habitat and Diet:

Flood plains, swamps, marshes, ponds, and other quiet waters. These snakes also travel far overland in search of a new home or a mate. Primarily feeds on tadpoles, frogs and fish are the principal food items.

Geographic Range:

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