Yellow-Bellied Watersnake
Family:
Colubridae (nonvenomous snakes) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
This medium-sized watersnake is named for its yellow belly. Its coloration is mainly gray or greenish with little or no pattern. Like other species of watersnakes, yellow-bellied watersnakes give birth to live young.
Size:
It is 30 to 48 inches (76-122 cm) long.
Habitat and conservation:
This species is found in swamps, sloughs, lakes and ponds where it can be found basking on overhanging branches or logs in the water.
Foods:
Food includes fish, amphibians and crayfish.
Distribution in Missouri:
Lives throughout southeastern Missouri and north along the Mississippi River floodplain. A subspecies called the blotched watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa) occurs in southwestern and western Missouri. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/6578
