Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) (Hallowell, 1852)

 

Synonyms: Natrix rhombifera, Nerodia holbrookii, Nerodia rhombifera, Tropidonotus rhombifer, diamond-backed watersnake, diamondback water snake

 

 

Nerodia rhombifer is a North American watersnake found in the Mississippi Basin (north to Kansas and Illinois) and the lowlands of the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama (USA) to Tabasco (Mexico); 0-750 m. Inadvertently introduced to California. Semi-aquatic; found in and near rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, and ditches. Large, stocky snake, up to 120 cm total length (exceptionally to 180 cm); predominantly brown or olive green, with dark dorsal and lateral blotches or bands. The underside is yellow with dark, half-moon spots. Ovoviviparous. Gravid females give birth in the late summer-early fall. This species preys on fishes, frogs, and small turtles. Commonly seen basking on banks, snags, and overhanging branches. Three subspecies.

 

		18644 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18764 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18749 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18650 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18648 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18769 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		18772 Diamondback Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer); ventral view Salineño, Starr County Texas, USA Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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