Diamondback water snake
A species of Water snakes, Also known as Diamondback Watersnake Scientific name : Nerodia rhombifer Genus : Water snakes
Diamondback water snake, A species of Water snakes
Also known as:
Diamondback Watersnake
Scientific name: Nerodia rhombifer
Genus: Water snakes
Content
Description General Info
Description
Nerodia rhombifer, commonly known as the diamondback water snake, is a species of nonvenomous natricine colubrid endemic to the central United States and northern Mexico. There are three recognized subspecies of N. rhombifer, including the nominotypical subspecies.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Diamondback water snake is primarily piscivorous, thriving mostly on a diet of fish. It also exhibits a preference for amphibians, regularly consuming frogs and salamanders. The species occasionally devours small mammals and birds when available.
Appearance
Diamondback water snake is a medium-sized snake species with a thick cylindrical body. Its skin possesses a distinctive diamond or chain-like pattern, typically in dark shades against a lighter background. Some specimens sport a more uniformly dark or even black color. There aren't significant differences in appearance because of age, gender, or subspecies. The surface of its skin is predominantly smooth, with a few scattered scales interspersed.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, diamondback water snake exhibits solitary behavior, except during breeding season. This efficient swimmer patrols aquatic territories and shows aggression towards intruders. Remarkably, diamondback water snake displays direct flight response when threatened. Their hunting strategy involves ambush, utilizing their ability to blend with their surroundings. For survival during colder months, diamondback water snake hibernates typically inside crayfish burrows.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Natricinae Genus
Water snakes Species
Diamondback water snake 
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