Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia erythrogaster
Found primarily in the southeastern and south-central United States, extending northward into portions of the Midwest and eastward into coastal plains, typically inhabiting regions near major river drainages.
Look up Plain-bellied Watersnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Nerodia, Species: Nerodia erythrogaster
Conservation
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include wetland destruction and road mortality.
Physical Description
Robust body with dark brown to nearly black dorsal coloration, often displaying scattered lighter flecks or indistinct patterning, especially in wetter lighting. The head is distinct from the neck, and scales are strongly keeled.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is approximately 75 to 100 cm. Typical adult size ranges from 75 to 140 cm, with females generally growing larger than males.
Habitat
Primarily aquatic habitats including swamps, marshes, cypress sloughs, sluggish streams, ponds, and drainage ditches. Frequently found basking on vegetation, logs, or banks near water.
Diet & Feeding
Eats primarily fish, amphibians (such as frogs and tadpoles), and occasionally aquatic salamanders or crayfish. Active forager in shallow water and along banks, capturing prey by direct seizure.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in the spring, with litters ranging from 10 to over 30 young born in late summer or early autumn.
Look-alikes
Often confused with other watersnake species within the genus Nerodia, such as the Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) and the Mississippi Green Watersnake (Nerodia cyclopion). Distinguished primarily by uniform belly coloration (often yellow, orange, or red without heavy dark half-moons) and dorsal pattern details.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List status is Least Concern. Populations are generally stable, though local threats include wetland destruction and road mortality.
Cultural Significance
Plays an important role in aquatic ecosystems as both a predator of fish and amphibians and as prey for larger wading birds and mammals.
Notable Features
Known for its strong defensive behaviors when cornered, which can include flattening its head, striking aggressively, and releasing foul-smelling musk from its cloacal glands.