Page 19 - Arkansas Snake Guide

SUZANNE COLLINS WATER SNAKES
Diamondback Water Snake
Nerodia rhombifer
Range Coastal Plain, Mississippi Delta and the valleys of
the Arkansas and White rivers.
Description Keeled scales. Head and body can be light
brown, yellowish or olive. A series of black crossbars with
light edges forms a chain-like pattern on the back. The
belly is cream or yellowish with scattered black or brown
crescent-shaped spots. Young are patterned like adults.
Adults average 30-48 inches in length.
Habitat and Habits Found in a variety of wetland
habitats: swamps, sloughs, marshes, oxbow lakes, rivers and
streams. Active March-October; active at night during hot
weather. Breeds April-May; 13-62 young are born August-
October. Eats fish and amphibians. Like other water snakes,
when threatened it will flatten the head, bite viciously and
discharge a foul-smelling musk from the vent.
19