Banded Water Snake
Nerodia fasciata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia fasciata
Found throughout the Southeastern United States, ranging from North Carolina down through Florida and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas and up the Mississippi River Valley to southern Illinois.
Look up Banded Water Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia fasciata
Conservation
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally abundant, though they face threats from habitat loss and frequent persecution by humans who mistake them for cottonmouths.
Physical Description
A heavy-bodied snake with strongly keeled (rough) scales. Coloration is typically dark brown, reddish, or black with darker crossbands that are widest on the back. Head is distinctly wider than the neck, with prominent labial (lip) scales marked by vertical black bars. Pupils are round.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen in the image appears to be a mature adult approximately 2.5 to 3 feet in length. Typical species range is 24-42 inches (61-107 cm); the record is 60 inches.
Habitat
Semi-aquatic. Found in almost any freshwater environment including swamps, marshes, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. Often found basking on logs or in vegetation overhanging water.
Diet & Feeding
Active foragers that feed primarily on amphibians (frogs, toads, tadpoles) and small fish. They hunt by swimming through the water or wait in ambush along the shoreline, swallowing prey alive without constriction.
Reproduction
Viviparous (gives birth to live young). Mating occurs in spring; females give birth to 15-20 (up to 50) young between July and October.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. Generally abundant, though they face threats from habitat loss and frequent persecution by humans who mistake them for cottonmouths.
Cultural Significance
Often used in ecology studies as an indicator of wetland health. Frequently misunderstood and killed due to its resemblance to other species. Water Snake' identification.
Notable Features
Features heavily keeled scales and a salt-and-pepper or reddish belly pattern. They are known for their ability to thrive in urban retention ponds and canals.