Page 34 - Arkansas Snake Guide
P. 34

CRAYFISH/MUD SNAKES



















                                             SUZANNE COLLINS
          Queen Snake
                     Regina septemvittata
          Range    Restricted  to  isolated  streams  in  the  Ozark
          Plateau.
          Description  Keeled scales. Body is dark brown or slate,
          with cream-colored or yellow stripes along the sides of
          the body just above the belly. Belly is cream or yellow with
          two dark stripes. In older females, the belly may be dark.
          Young patterned like adults. Adults average 15-24 inches
          in length.
          Habitat  and  Habits    Occurs  along  the  margins  of
          rocky  bottomed  streams,  marshes,  oxbow  lakes,  rivers
          and streams. Active from late March-October, this snake
          breeds in spring or fall and 7-10 young are born August-
          September. Feeds on crayfish, small fish and aquatic insect
          larvae. Arkansas has the only population of this species
          west of the Mississippi River.
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