Non-poisonous Snakes Identification

Mississippi Green Water Snake (Nerodia cyclopion)

At maturity, the Mississippi Green Watersnake reaches a length ranging between 35 and 40 inches. Predominantly dark green or brown, the Mississippi Green Watersnake has keeled scales and a divided anal plate. The color is darkly blotched and is accented by 50 black bands, which are very difficult to discern. The underside is pale, being yellowish, but toward the posterior end, the color darkens to brown or gray. Pale yellow or dirty-white spots, often in the shape of a half-circle, are present. The eye of the Mississippi Green Watersnake is separated from the upper labial scales by a single row of subocular scales. At the middle of the moderately thick body, Mississippi Green Watersnakes have about 28 rows of scales. The pupils of the Mississippi Green Watersnake are round.

Inhabits still or very slow-moving waters, such as lakes, ponds, oxbows, ditches and swamps. Active March through November. Most aquatic of our water snakes, seldom found far from water. Breeds April- May and 8-34 young are born August-September. Feeds almost exclusively on small fish, but also eats frogs and salamanders.