Florida banded water snake
A species of Water snakes Scientific name : Nerodia fasciata pictiventris Genus : Water snakes
Florida banded water snake, A species of Water snakes
Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata pictiventris
Genus: Water snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By gaudettelaura , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Florida banded water snake is predominantly known for its aquatic habits, often seen in freshwater habitats such as marshes and swamps. It feeds primarily on amphibians and fish, displaying a sit-and-wait hunting strategy. The female of the species exhibits ovoviviparity, giving birth to live young - a unique adaptation among reptiles.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Florida banded water snake primarily feeds on fish, employing a sit-and-wait hunting strategy. While finned prey forms its staple, the species occasionally opts for amphibians and smaller reptiles, ensuring dietary diversity.
Appearance
Florida banded water snake is a medium-sized, water snake with a robust, elongated body covered in keeled, scaly skin. Its coloration features a combination of chocolate-brown stripes alternating with a lighter tan to cream background. Juveniles exhibit a red-brown tail which gradually fades as the snake matures. No significant differences in appearance between genders or subspecies are observed.
Behavior
Florida banded water snake is a mostly solitary, diurnal snake known for unusual aquatic behavior. Key activities include swimming and hunting in both standing and flowing freshwater bodies. This species is non-territorial but showcases characteristic defensive postures when threatened. It's opportunistic, preying mostly on amphibians and fish, capturing its prey through ambush in its aquatic habitat.
Photo By gaudettelaura , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Water snakes Species
Florida banded water snake