Rainbow Snake
Subspecies occurring in Louisiana is the Common Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma erytrogramma)
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Scientific Name:
Farancia erytrogramma Aquatic and Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Nonvenomous
Description
Medium-sized snake- 25 to 60 inches long. Iridescent and glossy. Black above with three longitudinal red stripes. Yellow below and on the lower sides. Underside has several rows of black spots and a central reddish stripe. Black spots also on chin and neck. Scales are smooth and in 19 rows. Anal scale is divided.
Range and Habitat
Found in the Florida Parishes as far west as the Comite River. Rarely seen, apparently spends most of the time in the water or concealed within stream banks and root systems overhanging streams and rivers with relatively clear water, especially those with sand or gravel bottoms.
Behavior
Feed primarily on freshwater eels, frogs, and salamanders. Lay 22 to 52 eggs in nests below the surface in sandy soils. Lay eggs in early or mid-July. Eggs hatch in early September. Hatchlings must burrow through the sandy soil to get to the surface.
Population Status
Ranked as S2 (imperiled) in Louisiana. Threats include deaths caused by vehicles and habitat degradation and alteration from wetland drainage and human development.