Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster

(Conant, 1949)

Vernacular names

English : Yellowbelly water snake
French : Couleuvre d’eau à ventre jaune

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Natricidae/Colubridae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification

Adults reach a length of 1.50 meters (usually smaller) for a weight up to 500 grams, females being heavier than males. Subspecies dark greenish-grey to near black on back. Its belly and lower flanks are yellow. Dull yellow labial scales.

Range and habitat

This subspecies occurs from Florida and Georgia, to east Texas. The species is also found in most of eastern and central USA, and north Mexico. Lives in lakes, streams, ponds, marshes and slow-moving rivers near grasslands.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is relatively safe in USA but could be sensitive to pollution and disturbance. Mexican populations are endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation