Diamondback water snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diamondback water snake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Nerodia
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| Species: |
rhombifer
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| Subspecies | |
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N. r. blanchardi (Clay, 1938) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Nerodia rhombifer, commonly known as the diamondback water snake, is a nonvenomous snake found in the central United States and northern Mexico.
Contents
Description
The diamondback water snake is brown, dark brown, or dark olive green in color. It has a black net-like pattern along the back, with each spot being vaguely diamond-shaped. Dark vertical bars and lighter coloring are often present down the sides of the snake. The underside is generally a yellow or lighter brown color, often with black blotching. Younger snakes are often lighter in color, making their patterns more pronounced, and they darken with age.
Habitat
The diamondback water snake is one of the most common species of snake within its range. It is found near slow-moving bodies of water such as streams, rivers, ponds, or swamps.
Behavior
When foraging for food the diamondback water snake will hang on branches suspended over the water, dipping its head under the surface of the water, until it encounters a fish or other prey. It is frequently found basking on branches over water. If someone gets too close, the snake will quickly jump into the water and swim away. If it feels trapped, it might hiss and flatten its body to look bigger. It usually only bites if it feels scared or is being bothered.
Geographic range
The diamondback water snake is native to the central United States, inhabiting areas along the Mississippi River valley. The snake is found in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama. Its range also includes northern Mexico (the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Veracruz).
Reproduction
The diamondback water snake is ovoviviparous. The species breeds in the spring, with females giving birth in the late summer or early fall. Young snakes are around 8–10 in (20–25 cm) in length.
Conservation concerns
The species is not endangered or threatened. However, as the snake is very common in areas frequented by humans, it is often killed out of fear when mistaken for the cottonmouth or rattlesnakes.
In captivity
The diamondback water snake is often found in captivity. It will bite when captured but with regular handling becomes fairly docile. In captivity, it likes to eat fish, but its diet should also contain vitamin B1. Bigger snakes may also eat small rodents.
Interesting facts about the diamondback water snake
- The species was first described by Edward Hallowell in 1852.
- The snake grows to an average total length (including tail) of 76–122 cm (30–48 inches).
- Its record total length is 180 cm (69 inches).
- Adult males have multiple papillae (tubercles) on the under surface of the chin, which are not found on any other species of snake in the United States.
- The diamondback water snake has a rough texture due to its dorsal scales being heavily keeled.
- Its dorsal scales are arranged in 25 or 27 rows at midbody.
- The snake's bite is known to be quite painful due to its sharp teeth meant to keep hold of slippery fish.
See also
In Spanish: Culebra de agua de diamantes para niños
