Mississippi green water snakes (Nerodia cyclopion) are medim sized snakes, 30-45 inches in length, and no distinctive field marks. They do, however, have a row of scales between the eyes and lips which positively identifies them. They are green to brown with some darker pigmentation on their dorsal (top) side. Their belly has light spots resembling half-moons against a uniform gray or brown background. Their scales are keeled and the anal scale is divided.
Ten Facts about Mississippi Green Water Snake
- This species ranges from southeastern Texas eastward to Louisiana and southwestern Alabama, and northward in the Mississippi drainage to southern Illinois.
- The Mississippi Green Water Snake can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats with still water, but is most prevalent in wooded swamps.
- Mississippi green water snakes, like most water snakes, prefer to feed on fish, but also will eat crayfish, frogs, and toads when they are available.
- Length is about 30-50" (76.2-127 cm).
- They breed in April or May, and give birth to 8-34 young in August or September.
- . Hatchlings resemble adults and are 9-11 inches long.
- It is commonly seen basking on branches overhanging the water.
- The keeled scales are in 23-27 rows.
- They are vulnerable to hawks and owls, larger mammalian predators (foxes, raccoons, skunks, cats), and (inevitably) automobiles and unappreciative humans.
- Life span can be 8-12 years.
