Mississippi Green Water Snake
Nerodia cyclopion
A stout, greenish water snake of Gulf Coast swamps and bayous, closely related to the Florida green water snake.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.75-1.2 m (2.5-4 ft)
- Range
- Lower Mississippi River valley and Gulf Coast states
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Overview
The Mississippi green water snake inhabits swamps, bayous, and river backwaters across the lower Mississippi River valley and adjacent Gulf Coast states.
It closely resembles its relative the Florida green water snake but occupies a more westerly range, favoring heavily vegetated, still or slow-moving waters.
How to identify it
- Olive-green to brownish-green coloration
- Pattern often faint, appearing mostly uniform with subtle darker markings
- Heavily keeled scales
- Robust, heavy body
- Distinctive row of scales below the eye (subocular scale row)
- Distinguished from similar water snakes by scale characteristics and Gulf Coast/Mississippi valley range
Habitat & range
Found in swamps, bayous, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving rivers across Louisiana, Mississippi, and adjacent parts of Texas, Arkansas, and Alabama, typically in heavily vegetated still water.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active day and night, feeding on fish and amphibians captured in and near water. Often basks on branches overhanging water and drops in quickly when disturbed. Defensive when cornered, biting and musking readily. Gives birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mississippi green water snake dangerous?
No, it is non-venomous, though it may bite defensively if handled.
Where does it live?
It is found in swamps and bayous of the lower Mississippi River valley and adjacent Gulf Coast states.
How is it distinguished from the Florida green water snake?
The two species are very similar; range and subtle scale differences, including a distinctive scale row below the eye, separate them.
What does it eat?
It preys on fish and amphibians found in swamps and slow-moving waters.
Mississippi Green Water Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Mississippi Green Water Snake.
