Lake erie watersnake
A species of Water snakes Scientific name : Nerodia sipedon insularum Genus : Water snakes
Lake erie watersnake, A species of Water snakes
Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon insularum
Genus: Water snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jasminecupp , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Lake erie watersnake is a piscivorous creature, employing a distinct ambush hunting strategy, wherein it remains motionless and strikes in an instant when unsuspecting prey swim by. Its location primarily in Lake Erie, an interesting freshwater habitat, provides an abundance of its preferred prey: round gobies. Furthermore, lake erie watersnake's ability to thermoregulate affords it the capacity to survive frigid lake temperatures, a testament to its exceptional adaptive abilities.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Lake erie watersnake's diet primarily consists of small fish. Yet, the species demonstrates versatility by consuming amphibians and invertebrates when fish are scarce, proving an opportunistic, piscivorous behavior.
Appearance
Lake erie watersnake is a moderately-sized snake with a heavy, cylindrical body and smooth, keeled scales. Its coloration is variable, ranging from gray to brown or greenish, often with a pattern of darker blotches or bands. The distinctive eye-stripe extends from the nostril through the eye to the neck. Females are generally larger and more heavily patterned than males.
Behavior
Lake erie watersnake is a nonvenomous, semi-aquatic species known for its unique water hunting behaviour. It remains active both day and night, often concealing itself among aquatic vegetation. Primarily eating amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, lake erie watersnake exhibits a peculiar 'death feigning' defensive technique. Solitary outside breeding season, the species displays a territorial nature, aggressively defending its habitat.
Photo By jasminecupp , 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
Lake erie watersnake