Scientific Name : Nerodia e. erythrogaster

Sex : Juvenile pair

Length : 18 inches (Adults average 3 – 5 feet)

Weight : 1 ounces (Adults average 1 – 3 pounds)

Longevity : Captive Born 2003 (Lifespan 10+ years)

Breeding: Livebearer, 20 – 60 young, Annually

Range: Delaware and Maryland south to Northern Florida in coastal areas, absent from the mountainous regions of the southeast

Habitat : Semi-aquatic favoring slow moving or standing permanent water sources. They can be found significant distances from water however, often frequenting spring temporary water supplies and migrating as they dry up. They bask often in cooler months, becoming largely nocturnal during the extreme heat of summer.

Food and Hunting : Primarily prey on frogs and fish although young often eat tadpoles and crayfish as well. Water snakes are semi-aboreal and have been known to fish from branches over hanging water supplies. Their prey varies as the seasonal changes affect the amphibian lifecycle.

Conservation : Red-bellied Water Snakes are quite common throughout their range. Road kills during the spring and fall migrations as well as habitat destruction are always a threat. Water snakes in general both because of their range and appearance are often mistaken for venomous snakes and needlessly killed.

Captive Care : Their moderate size, often aggressive temperament and specialized diet make them a challenge in captivity. Despite their name water snakes are very prone to skin problems if kept in too moist conditions. Kept in dry sanitary conditions and given ample heat and varied diet they can be a rewarding captive. If handled frequently especially if acquired as juveniles or CB young they often tame.