Florida Green Water Snake

The Florida green water snake (Nerodia cyclopion) is a non-venomous snake species native to the southeastern United States, particularly in the state of Florida and parts of Georgia and Alabama. This species belongs to the family Colubridae and is known for its distinctive appearance and aquatic habits. The Florida green water snake is a relatively large species, with adults typically growing to an average length of 30-40 inches (76-102 cm), although some specimens can reach up to 55 inches (140 cm) in length.

Physical Characteristics and Habitat

The Florida green water snake has a stout body with a broad, flat head and a long, tapering tail. Its scales are smooth and shiny, with a color pattern that varies from dark green to brown, often with a distinctive pattern of darker blotches or stripes. The belly is usually pale yellow or cream-colored. These snakes are well adapted to their aquatic environment, with a streamlined body and a keen sense of smell that helps them detect prey in the water. They are found in a variety of freshwater habitats, including swamps, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where they can be seen basking in the sun on rocks, logs, or vegetation.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

Florida green water snakes are carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of aquatic prey, including fish, frogs, tadpoles, and small crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, using their sharp eyesight and agile bodies to catch prey in the water. These snakes are also known to eat birds and small mammals that venture too close to the water’s edge. In addition to their aquatic diet, Florida green water snakes will also consume terrestrial prey, such as insects and small reptiles, when the opportunity arises.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Florida green water snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they produce eggs that hatch inside the mother’s body, and the young are born alive. Mating typically occurs in the spring, and females give birth to 10-50 live young after a gestation period of about 3-4 months. The newborn snakes are about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length and are independent from birth, receiving no parental care. They grow rapidly, shedding their skin several times as they increase in size, and reach maturity in about 2-3 years. The average lifespan of a Florida green water snake in the wild is estimated to be around 5-7 years, although some individuals may live up to 10 years or more in captivity.

Conservation Status and Threats

The Florida green water snake is listed as a species of “least concern” on the IUCN Red List, although its populations are declining in some areas due to habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. These snakes are also often mistaken for venomous water moccasins (Cottonmouths) and killed by humans, which can further threaten their populations. Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and education programs, are necessary to ensure the long-term survival of this species.

• Habitat destruction and degradation
• Pollution and water quality decline
• Invasive species (e.g., Burmese pythons, Nile monitor lizards)
• Misidentification and persecution by humans