Banded water snake
A species of Water snakes Scientific name : Nerodia fasciata confluens Genus : Water snakes
Banded water snake, A species of Water snakes
Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata confluens
Genus: Water snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By lupita-lopez-tello , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Banded water snake is a highly hydrophilic species that demonstrates proficiency for aquatic survival through its unique behaviors including avoidance of predators by simply submerging underwater. As nocturnal creatures, their foraging strategies are largely reliant on olfaction and infrared cues from prey. With an opportunistic and carnivorous diet, they play a critical ecological role in controlling rodent and amphibian populations.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Banded water snake demonstrates piscivorous tendencies, primarily consuming fish. It exhibits a preference for slower-moving, easily caught fish species, with secondary consumption of small amphibians when fish are scarce.
Appearance
Banded water snake is a large, non-venomous snake characterized by its robust body. It has glossy, keeled scales, with a predominately brown or greenish-brown coloration and distinctive dark crossbands. The snake's belly may show a yellowish tint. Notable features include a rounded head and heavy body, contributing to its powerful, muscular impression. There is no significant variation in color or pattern due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Banded water snake is a solitary, predominantly aquatic species that is often observed basking in the sun by day, and actively hunting small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates at dusk and night. It employs a sit-and-wait foraging tactic. Banded water snake shows little territorial behavior except during mating seasons.
Photo By lupita-lopez-tello , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Water snakes Species
Banded water snake