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Nerodia erythrogaster (Forster, 1771) Copperbelly water snake; Redbelly Water Snake; Yellowbelly Water Snake; Blotched Water Snake

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Higher taxa:  Life   Vertebrata   Reptilia   Serpentes   Colubridae   Nerodia   Global map IDnature guides: Indiana, Snakes We parsed the following live from the Web into this page. Such content is managed by its original site and not cached on Discover Life. Please send feedback and corrections directly to the source. See original regarding copyrights and terms of use. Image, South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians Image, Snakes of Virginia Image, Houstonherp.com Image, Herpnet.net Florida Museum of Natural History University of Kentucky Florida Museum of Natural History Michigan Department of Natural Resources Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management Austin City Connection Austin City Connection CalPhotos CalPhotos CalPhotos

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© Copyright Andrew Durso, 2005 Nerodia erythrogaster	© Copyright Andrew Durso, 2005 Nerodia erythrogaster
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster	© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster, in situ	© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster	© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster	© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster, head
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster, juvenile	© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster
© JD Willson, 2006 Nerodia erythrogaster, sub adult

Names

Scientific source:       Integrated Taxonomic Information System

Following modified from Florida Museum of Natural History

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Redbelly Watersnake Richard Bartlett photo. Scientific name: Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Description: Average adult size is 28-48 inches (71.1-121.9 cm), record is 62 inches (157.4 cm). Adults are heavy-bodied with reddish-brown to no patterning on the back. The belly, neck, and labial scales are reddish-orange. The scales are keeled , and there are 23 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are grayish-brown with distinct dark crossbands and blotches , with pale yellow or pinkish bellies.   Juvenile redbelly watersnake. Richard Bartlett photo. Redbelly watersnake: Left to right: Top view of head; underside of head (chin and throat). Redbelly watersnake: Left to right: Sideview of head; front (face) view of the head. Range: In Florida, it is found from the northern peninsula west throughout the panhandle. In the western panhandle it intergrades (interbreeds) with the yellowbelly watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster ) . Outside of Florida, it is found from southern Alabama northeast along the Atlantic coast to Virginia. Habitat: Commonly found in rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and cypress strands. Comments: . The redbelly watersnake is active mainly during the daytime. During the hot summer months it is active in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night. It feeds on fishes and frogs. It is live-bearing. Usually 11-30 young from 9-11.5 inches (22.8-29.2 cm) in length are deposited during the summer. Comparison with other species: The Mississippi green watersnake ( Nerodia cyclopion ) and Florida green watersnake ( Nerodia floridana ) have scales between the eye and the scales on the upper lip. Harmless watersnakes are often confused with the venomous cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti . However, there is no excuse for killing watersnakes out of confusion since cottonmouths can easily be distinguished from watersnakes . The cottonmouth has a triangular shaped head and vertical pupil. If the head is viewed from above, the eyes of cottonmouths cannot be seen while the eyes of watersnakes are visible; cottonmouths have elliptical pupils and watersnakes have round pupils; and cottonmouths have a facial pit between the nostril and the eye , while watersnakes have none. Top of this Page — Guide to the Snakes of Florida Checklist of Florida Amphibians and Reptiles — Florida Herpetology Copyright © 1999, 2000 Florida Museum of Natural History .

Following modified from University of Kentucky

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Poisonous Patterned Common Name Non-poisonous Solid Species Name Backyard Snakes striped Geographic Region Non-Posionous Snakes Water Snake Yellowbelly Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Common Name: Water Snake Yellowbelly Species Name: Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Non-poisonous KSNPC status is: Not Listed Appearance: Similar in appearance to copperbelly only the belly is yellowish on a greenish gray to gray back. Notes: The same species as the copperbelly but the ranges do not overlap. Food habits are similar and they are found in various wetland, swamp, bottomland hardwood habitats. Return to search results Previous Snake Next Snake   SEARCH LINKS | Poisonous | Non-poisonous | Backyard Snakes | Patterned | Solid | Striped | | Common Name | Species Name | Geographic Region | SITE LINKS | Snake Publication | Contact | Links | Home | | University of Kentucky | Cooperative Extension Service | How to Identify Snakes Copyright © 2002 Site Design ::: Mike Ginter and Matthew Bone

Following modified from Florida Museum of Natural History

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Yellowbelly Watersnake Barry Mansell photo. Scientific name: Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Description: Average adult size is 30-48 inches (76.2-121.9 cm), record is 59 inches (149.8 cm). Adults are heavy-bodied, greenish gray in color with faint to no markings on the back. The belly, neck, and labial scales are almost uniform yellow. The scales are keeled , and there are 23 dorsal scale rows at midbody. The pupil is round. Juveniles are grayish-brown with distinct dark crossbands and blotches , with pale yellow bellies. Yellowbelly water snake: Left to right: Top of the head; underside of the head (chin and throat). Yellowbelly watersnake: Left to right: Side of the head; front (face view) of the head. Range: In Florida, it is found throughout the western panhandle where it intergrades (interbreeds) with the redbelly watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster ) . Outside of Florida, it is found from eastern Texas east to central Georgia and north to Illinois. Habitat: Commonly found in rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and cypress strands. Comments: . The yellowbelly watersnake is active mainly during the daytime. During the hot summer months it is active in the early morning, late afternoon, and at night. It feeds on fishes, frogs, tadpoles, other amphibians, and inverbrates. It is live-bearing, newborns are 9-12 inches (22.8-30.4 cm) in length. Comparison with other species: The Mississippi green watersnake ( Nerodia cyclopion ) and Florida green watersnake ( Nerodia floridana ) have scales between the eye and the scales on the upper lip. Because they are found around water bodies, harmless watersnakes are often confused with the venomous cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti ) . The cottonmouth has a triangular shaped head and vertical pupil. Cottonmouths can easily be distinguished from watersnakes . If the head is viewed from above, the eyes of cottonmouths cannot be seen while the eyes of watersnakes are visible; cottonmouths have elliptical pupils and watersnakes have round pupils; cottonmouths have a facial pit between the nostril and the eye , while watersnakes have none. Top of this Page — Guide to the Snakes of Florida Checklist of Florida Amphibians and Reptiles — Florida Herpetology Copyright © 1999, 2000 Florida Museum of Natural History .

Following modified from Michigan Department of Natural Resources

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Skip Navigation Michigan.gov Home DNR Home  |  Links  |  Site Map  |  Contact DNR  |  FAQ > Wildlife Action Plan > Landowner Incentive Program > Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas > Michigan Bird Conservation Initiative > State Wildlife Grants > Wildlife Species Cougar Amphibians & Reptiles Birds Crustaceans, Fish, Mussels & Clams Insects & Spiders Mammals Problem Wildlife > Plant Species > Natural Communities > Endangered & Nongame Wildlife > Plants & Habitat at Risk > Wildlife Disease > Creating Wildlife Habitat > Viewing Wildlife > Research Projects  Printer Friendly     Text Version   Share this link:   Twitter   Facebook   Yahoo   Google   Digg   reddit   Newsvine   StumbleUpon   Bookmark  Email Page Copper-bellied Water Snake ( Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta ) Life History & Michigan History Michigan's Snakes Non-DNR Links Life History & Michigan History One of the larger snakes in Michigan, the copper-bellied water snake can grow to a length of 4-5 feet. Adult snakes are easily identified by their dark brown or black back which contrasts easily with the unmarked reddish-to-orange belly and chin. The young have a blotched pattern which may remain visible in some adult specimens. This snake is extremely rare in Michigan. Its population is so low that it is listed as an "endangered" species in Michigan. It has also recently been listed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a nationally "threatened" species. Photo © Jim Harding The copper-bellied water snake prefers to live near wooded floodplains, shrub wetlands, and adjacent to slow moving rivers. As excellent swimmers, they hunt aquatic species including tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, insect larvae, and crayfish. In the spring, tadpoles seem to be especially tasty to hungry copper-bellied water snakes. Mating takes place in May, and one to two dozen young are born in September or October. It is one of ten species of snakes that do not lay eggs but bare live young. Habitat for the copper-bellied water snake has declined dramatically. Wetlands drainage and development in preferred habitat has limited distribution to only a few small populations. It has been found only in the southern third of the Lower Peninsula. Indiscriminate killing of snakes has also been a problem in local areas. It is listed as ENDANGERED by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is protected by law in the state. Any sightings of adult copperbelly water snakes should be reported to the DNR Wildlife Division in Lansing. Only adults should be reported because young copperbelly water snakes are easily confused with red-bellied snakes. Any sightings should be reported to the DNR Wildlife Division in Lansing. Keeping this species as part of Michigan's natural heritage will require protection of remaining habitat and management of lowland hardwoods. If you find a copper-bellied water snake, count yourself lucky to be one of a very few to experience this unique heritage species.   Non-DNR Links Species Profile (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) Nerodia erythrogaster (University of Michigan, Museum of Zoology) Related Content  •  Michigan's Snakes  •  Smooth Green Snake ( Liochlorophis vernalis )  •  Northern Water Snake ( Nerodia sipedon )  •  Eastern Milk Snake ( Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum )  •  Fox Snake ( Elaphe vulpina and Elaphe gloydi )  •  Black Rat Snake ( Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta )  •  Blue Racer ( Coluber constrictor foxi )  •  Eastern Hog-nosed Snake ( Heterodon platirhinos )  •  Ring-necked Snake ( Diadophis punctatus edwardii )  •  Northern Ribbon Snake ( Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis )  •  Butler's Garter Snake ( Thamnophis butleri )  •  Eastern Garter Snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis )  •  Red-bellied Snake ( Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata )  •  Brown Snake ( Storeria dekayi )  •  Queen Snake ( Regina septemvittata )  •  Kirtland's Snake ( Clonophis kirtlandii )  •  Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus catenatus )

Michigan.gov Home  |  DNR Home  |  Report All Poaching 1-800-292-7800  |  Feedback  |  Contact DNR  |  FAQ  |  State Web Sites Privacy Policy  |  Link Policy  |  Accessibility Policy  |  Security Policy  |  Michigan News  |  Michigan.gov Survey Copyright © 2001-2009 State of Michigan

Following modified from Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management

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Following modified from Austin City Connection

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Options Directory | Departments | FAQ | Links | Site Map | Help | Contact Us *** *** ** Blotched water snake, adult, Nerodia erythrogaster transersa, family Colubridae *** *** Austin City Connection - The Official Web site of the City of Austin Contact Us: Send Email or 512-263-6430. Legal Notices | Privacy Statement © 1995 City of Austin, Texas . All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 (512) 974-2000

Following modified from Austin City Connection

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Options Directory | Departments | FAQ | Links | Site Map | Help | Contact Us *** *** ** Blotched water snake, juvenile, Nerodia erythrogaster transersa, family Colubridae *** *** Austin City Connection - The Official Web site of the City of Austin Contact Us: Send Email or 512-263-6430. Legal Notices | Privacy Statement © 1995 City of Austin, Texas . All Rights Reserved. P.O. Box 1088, Austin, TX 78767 (512) 974-2000

Following modified from CalPhotos

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CalPhotos     Photo Database   Number of matches : 8 Query: SELECT * FROM img WHERE ready=1 and taxon like "Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster%" and (lifeform != "specimen_tag" OR lifeform != "Animal") ORDER BY taxon Click on the thumbnail to see an enlargement Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0503 0662 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0803 0357 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0503 0660 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0503 0659 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0803 0356 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0503 0661 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0803 0358 [detail] © 2003 John White Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster Red-bellied Watersnake ID: 0000 0000 0708 0388 [detail] © 2008 Jason Gibson Using these photos: A variety of organizations and individuals have contributed photographs to CalPhotos. Please follow the usage guidelines provided with each image. Use and copyright information, as well as other details about the photo such as the date and the location, are available by clicking on the [detail] link under the thumbnail. See also: Using the Photos in CalPhotos .    Copyright © 1995-2009 UC Regents. All rights reserved. CalPhotos is a project of BSCIT     University of California, Berkeley

Following modified from CalPhotos

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CalPhotos     Photo Database   Number of matches : 3 Query: SELECT * FROM img WHERE ready=1 and taxon like "Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster%" and (lifeform != "specimen_tag" OR lifeform != "Animal") ORDER BY taxon Click on the thumbnail to see an enlargement Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Yellow-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 1204 0729 [detail] © 2004 Brad Moon Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Yellow-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 1204 0730 [detail] © 2004 Brad Moon Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Yellow-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 0107 0038 [detail] © 2007 Thomas Eimermacher Using these photos: A variety of organizations and individuals have contributed photographs to CalPhotos. Please follow the usage guidelines provided with each image. Use and copyright information, as well as other details about the photo such as the date and the location, are available by clicking on the [detail] link under the thumbnail. See also: Using the Photos in CalPhotos .    Copyright © 1995-2009 UC Regents. All rights reserved. CalPhotos is a project of BSCIT     University of California, Berkeley

Following modified from CalPhotos

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CalPhotos     Photo Database   Number of matches : 2 Query: SELECT * FROM img WHERE ready=1 and taxon like "Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta%" and (lifeform != "specimen_tag" OR lifeform != "Animal") ORDER BY taxon Click on the thumbnail to see an enlargement Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Copper-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 1007 1452 [detail] © 2007 Lisa Powers Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Copper-bellied Water Snake ID: 0000 0000 1007 1453 [detail] © 2007 Lisa Powers Using these photos: A variety of organizations and individuals have contributed photographs to CalPhotos. Please follow the usage guidelines provided with each image. Use and copyright information, as well as other details about the photo such as the date and the location, are available by clicking on the [detail] link under the thumbnail. See also: Using the Photos in CalPhotos .    Copyright © 1995-2009 UC Regents. All rights reserved. CalPhotos is a project of BSCIT     University of California, Berkeley