Queen Snake
Regina septemvittata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Regina, Species: R. septemvittata
Eastern North America, ranging from southwestern Ontario and the Great Lakes region south to the Florida Panhandle and west to the Mississippi River.
Look up Queen Snake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no threat to humans; very docile and rarely bites even when handled.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Regina, Species: R. septemvittata
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN), though populations are declining locally due to water pollution, siltation, and loss of crayfish populations.
Physical Description
Slender body with keeled scales. Typically olive, brown, or dark gray with three faint dark stripes on the back and four distinct yellow or cream stripes on the belly. Yellowish-tan labial scales and a relatively small, narrow head.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen shown appears to be an adult (approx 40-60 cm). Species average: 38-61 cm (15-24 inches); Record: 92 cm (36 inches).
Habitat
Strictly aquatic species found in clean, shallow, running water such as rocky-bottomed streams and rivers. Highly dependent on presence of crayfish; found in elevations from sea level to about 800 meters.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and semi-aquatic. Often observed basking on branches overhanging water (similar to the provided image). Extremely shy; will drop into water at the slightest disturbance. Non-aggressive.
Diet & Feeding
Highly specialized specialist; feeds almost exclusively (90%+) on freshly molted (soft-shell) crayfish. They use chemical cues to locate prey underwater.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous (gives birth to live young). Breeding occurs in spring/autumn; 5 to 20 young are born in late summer/early fall.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) which has a prominent dorsal stripe, and the Garter Snake’s lateral stripes are on different scale rows. Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) which is much heavier-bodied and lacks the four ventral stripes.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though populations are declining locally due to water pollution, siltation, and loss of crayfish populations.
Cultural Significance
Important indicator species for water quality and healthy river ecosystems. Their presence suggests a healthy population of crayfish and low levels of chemical runoff.
Notable Features
Unique for their extreme dietary specialization. They are one of the few snake species that specifically target prey during a vulnerable physiological state (the molting process).