The mating season begins in spring and generally ends in late August. The brown water snake’s predation habits consist of ambushing prey and diving underwater for up to 30 minutes while hunting.īrown water snakes have a lifespan of 6.2 years and only have a small list of predators ranging from birds, alligators, cottonmouths, humans, and raccoons. Their diet is mainly piscivorous ( with studies showing 100% fish-filled guts) although they do have the occasional crayfish, tadpole, or frog. These animals are typically diurnal hunters but have been recorded foraging in the evening hours.

These snakes are brown with 30 – 34 black squares flowing down their bodies with a triangular head that allows them to be misidentified as a venomous species in their environment, but brown water snakes lack venom and are harmless to humans. Average adult length: 30 to 60 in (76 to 152 cm).Other names: Aspic, false moccasin, great water snake, pied water snake, southern water snake, water rattler.Meaning of scientific name: Flowing arrangements of spots.These animals were studied in California by ecologist Robert Reed, who saw these snakes eating non-native prey such as invasive mosquito-eating fish, frogs, toads, and tadpoles which backs the claim that these animals are extremely important for population control, especially in Florida where invasive species run rampant.Ģ) Brown water snake Did you know that the brown water snake doesn’t have any venom and is in fact very safe around humans? evangrimes / CC BY 4.0 These animals can be found throughout Florida’s freshwater habitats, with some being found in more brackish areas. After a gestation period of 79 days, the female births 9 – 50 live young, who appear paler with stronger patterns. These semi-aquatic snakes become sexually mature around the age of 2 and breed during spring. These animals also have a defense mechanism of emitting an intense musk mixed with feces to avoid being eaten. These snakes will often flatten their heads, creating a triangular shape, along with flattening their bodies and neck to appear larger and more intimidating to predators. Although they look different when the snakes are relaxed, they begin to resemble each other when the banded water snake feels threatened. The physical differences on the banded water snake vary from their long slender body, tail, and head. These snakes are notoriously confused with the venomous water moccasin due to being found in similar environments with slightly similar scale protrusions. Average adult length: 22 to 40 in (56 to 102 cm).Other names: Banded snake, black water snake, blue snake, brown snake, common water snake, fasciated (water) snake, red-bellied water snake, southern banded water snake, wampum snake, water adder.Meaning of scientific name: Banded sea nymph.

Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata pictiventris.Non-Venomous Snakes 1) Florida banded water snake The Florida banded water snake can be found in some more brackish areas and Florida’s freshwater habitats.

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