Natricinae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Natricinae
A Dice snake, Natrix tessellata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Subfamily:	Natricinae Bonaparte, 1838
Genera
36, see text

The Natricinae are a group of snakes often called "water snakes" or "grass snakes." They are part of a larger family of snakes called colubroid snakes. This group includes 36 different types, or genera, of snakes. Many of these snakes are very common. Examples include the European grass snakes you might see in Europe. In North America, you can find water snakes and garter snakes. Some snakes in Asia are called keelbacks because their scales have a raised ridge. This ridge makes them feel a bit rough, like the keel of a boat.

Meet the Natricinae Snakes

Where They Live and What They Eat

Natricine snakes live in many parts of the world. You can find them in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Central America. They live as far south as Costa Rica. Only one type, Tropidonophis mairii, lives in Australia. Even though most kinds are in North America, the oldest types come from Asia and Africa. This suggests the group started in the Old World.

Most of these snakes love water. They are called "semiaquatic," meaning they spend time both in water and on land. They usually eat fish and amphibians like frogs. But some types live mostly underground or in leaf piles. These snakes prefer to eat small creatures without backbones, like worms or insects.

Are They Dangerous?

Most natricine snakes are harmless to humans. This means their bites usually do not cause serious problems. However, a few types, like some garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis and Thamnophis elegans), can bite. Their bites might cause some local swelling or discomfort, but it is not life-threatening.

There are also two types of Rhabdophis snakes (R. tigrinus and R. subminiatus) that can be more dangerous. These snakes have fangs at the back of their mouth. While their bites can be serious, they are not as common as bites from front-fanged snakes.

Genera