Description

This is a similar medium-sized nonvenomous aquatic snake that is instead found in the eastern, especially northeastern regions of Mississippi. They are thick-bodied, plainly colored with a dark top and cream, mustard, or yellow colored belly. Ventral side is yellow with 4 notable dark stripes (Behler & King, 1979). Scales are strongly keeled (similar to Nerodia in texture). Juveniles are brighter than adults. Fully grown, they may be 1 – 3 feet in length (Behler & King, 1979). Crawfish snakes are found almost exclusively in or near water, and are often seen on roads crossing between wetlands. Highly aquatic and active diurnal and nocturnal hunters. They eat almost exclusively freshly-shed crayfish bodies (softer than with an older exoskeleton). 

Identifying Traits

• Olive, tan, or brown cream or yellow belly
• Yellow belly with 4 distinct lines (separates from Graham’s Crawfish Snake)
• Not glossy or shiny in appearance (separates form Glossy Crawfish Snake)

Habitat

Sandy or rocky-bottomed streams

Behavior

Highly aquatic, rarely seen far away from water bodies

Diet

Crayfish, freshly molted