MISCELLANEOUS HARMLESS SNAKES

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Rainbow Snake, Farancia erytrogramma

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• Identification: 25-60 inches. Shiny black above with three longitudinal red stripes; yellow below and on the lower sides; underside with several rows of black spots; scales smooth and in 19 rows.
• Habits: Rainbow snakes are rarely seen, and apparently spend most of their time in water or concealed within stream banks and root systems overhanging streams and rivers with relatively clear water. They feed primarily on freshwater eels, and lay from 22-52 eggs.
• Distribution: The Florida Parishes as far west as the Comite River.

Mud Snake, Farancia abacura

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• Other common names: Hoop snake, horn snake, stinging snake.
• Identification: 25-80 inches. Shiny black above with a red underside crossed with black bands, the red irregularly extending onto the lower sides; tail tip with hardened point; scales smooth and in 19 rows.
• Habits: Mud snakes favor low, swampy ground and ditches, but may wander abroad during wet weather. They suffer from the mistaken belief that they can sting with their tail and roll into a hoop. Although they may coil in concentric loops while at rest, mud snakes as well as all snakes are incapable of rolling wheel-like down slopes. The spine on the end of the tail is not sharp enough to pierce a person?s skin, nor do these snakes possess any poison glands or stinging apparatus. The spine seems to be used to aid in pinning the eel-like salamanders on which mud snakes feed. Despite their formidable appearance, mud snakes rarely bite, but may thrash about or roll over to expose the bright red belly when molested. They lay from 6-50 eggs, and the female often remains coiled about her clutch.
• Distribution: Found in low, swampy regions throughout the state.

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Heterodon platirhinos

Click to enlarge. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

• Other common names: Spreading adder, blowing adder, pine puffer, sand viper.
• Identification: 15-42 inches. May be either pale gray, tan or brown with several rows of black spots down the back and sides, or, overall black or dark brown with a paler underside; scales keeled and in 25 rows. In young snakes the scales down the middle of the back are red or orange. The scale on the tip of the snout is pointed and upturned.
• Habits: Hog-nosed snakes favor dry habitats with loose soils, preferably in mixed wooded and open country. Hog-nosed snakes rarely bite, but have a surprising repertoire of defensive behaviors. Upon first encounter, hog-nosed snakes will flatten and spread their necks "cobra" fashion. They will then hiss and strike, although the striking behavior is all bluff and no bite. If these postures don't scare off the potential predator, the snake will roll onto its back and play "dead." Hog- nosed snakes feedprimarily on toads and frogs. They lay from 4-61 eggs.
• Distribution: Throughout the state, except swamplands, and only on high ground in the marshes.

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