Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Strongly aquatic but very prone to basking on tree limbs overhanging the water. Brownish green to greenish brown above, occasionally with a few darker markings. Brownish below with a profusion of irregularly placed lighter half circles. A row of scales (subocularis) between the eye and the upper labial (lip) scales. Young with strong lateral barring and fainter dorsal markings. Scales keeled, anal plate divided. Ovoviviparous. Young with strong lateral barring and fainte.

Unique Features:

The profusion of light half circles on the belly is diagnostic.

Habitat and Diet:

Wooded river-bottom swamps seem preferred but other quiet waters are also used. Fish are the favored food item but tadpoles and frogs are also eaten.

Geographic Range:

FL, AL, TN, KY, AR, IL, LA, MS, TX, MO