Green Water Snake

Tropidonotus cyclopium, (Dumeril & Bibron)

Colouration.—Dark green or olive brown, with numerous, narrow black bands crossing the back; these bands are about the width of one scale, irregular and wavy and about two scales apart. In alternation with the bands of the back, is a series of black blotches on the sides, which are more pronounced on the latter two-thirds of the body.

Dimensions.—Frequently attains a length of four feet. Measurements of a specimen from Lake Kerr, Marion County, Florida, are given:

Distribution.—The Gulf States and the Mississippi Valley northward to southern Illinois. In Florida the species is moderately abundant; westward it occurs in lesser numbers and in the Mississippi Valley it is rather rare.

Habits.—In actions this snake resembles the diamond-backed water snake, although it is not so vicious in disposition. Feeding readily in captivity, it is very hardy and will live for years. At times it will lie partially flattened, with head resting upon the ground, causing that member to appear very broad, triangular and ugly. While in such a position it is the personification of a poisonous snake. This serpent is very fond of climbing and if provided with a branch or small tree, will spend much of its time lying stretched upon it.

Colouration.—Rusty brown, with a series of black or dark brown blotches on the back, square in shape; in alternation with them on the sides is a similar series (about four scales wide and six scales high). The blotches of the back and of the sides are not in contact with each other. The effect of this pattern is a very strongly banded appearance, particularly upon the sides. The head is of the uniform colour of the body, and without markings.

Dimensions.—Huge examples of this snake were observed in inlets of the Savannah River. Unfortunately, these very large specimens were extremely shy and rendered capture impossible. From this vicinity, snakes of moderate size were taken, these averaging about four feet in length. Although the writer dislikes to speculate upon the size of specimens that have escaped him, he would judge that some of these must have been close to six feet in length. The measurements of an averagesized female are quoted:

Distribution.—From the Potomac River, southward throughout Florida and westward to the Mississippi Valley (southern portion). The species is particularly abundant in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

Habits.—Both in appearance and disposition, this is one of the most ugly of the American snakes. When cornered, it will lie partially coiled, making such rapid darts at every moving object that its actions closely resemble those of a venomous snake. Captive specimens are vicious and sullen. This is in marked contrast to the majority of the water snakes, which exhibit a gentle demeanour after a few weeks in captivity.

Distribution.—Central States.

Distribution.—Florida.

One of the largest of the water snakes, and very stout in form, although the tail is long and tapering. The head is rather long and distinct from the neck; the upper lips exhibit swollen formation, and the eyes are placed rather high, besides well forward, toward the snout. Owing to these outlines and the sombre colours, large specimens appear ugly and formidable. This reptile is closely allied to the diamond-backed water snake. It is characterised by a ring of small plates around the eye, separating that organ from the lip plates (labials).

With the exception of the lips, which are yellow, the head is of the uniform colour of the body. The abdomen is uniform yellowish with the exception of a tinge of gray upon the edges of the plates.

Although the scales are strongly keeled, this snake is more shiny than other species. In outline and pattern it appeals to the diamond-backed water snake, but may be at once separated by the absence of a tendency of the narrow bands on the back, to unite and form a rhomb-like pattern. Old specimens are generally a uniform, dull olive above.

Total Length . . . . . 42 3/4 inches.

Length of Tail . . . . . 10 1/2 inches.

Diameter of Body . . . . . 1 3/8 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 1 inches.

Length of Head . . . . . 2 inches.

THE BROWN WATER SNAKE, "WATER RATTLE"; WATER PILOT (A name also given to the poisonous Moccasin or "Cotton mouth."

Tropidonotus taxispilotus, (Holbrook)

Largest of the North American water snakes--attaining a length of five feet--very stout of body, but with long, tapering tail. The scales are heavily keeled, and the upper surface is dull and rusty.

The head is very long and narrow beneath the plated portion which only forms about a half its length; behind the plates it widens abruptly, causing it to be very distinct from the neck. The eyes are small and bulging, and situated forward, toward the snout, as well as rather high, which characteristic causes this serpent to resemble the species of East Indian river snakes of the genera Homalopsis and Cerberus. In a lesser degree, the same characters are evinced by the two preceding species, demonstrating a close relationship.