Graham's Crayfish Snake

Range

Mississippi Delta and Coastal Plain; isolated record from the western Arkansas River Valley.

Description

Keeled scales. A brown or yellow-brown snake with yellow or dusky cream-colored stripes along the lower sides of the body. Belly is white or cream with a zigzag pattern of dark brown spots along the outer edge. Young patterned like adults. Adults 18-28 inches in length.

Habitat and Habits

Often seen in early spring basking on low branches or brush over water in marshes, ditches and sloughs. Active from April to early November. Mates in April-May; gives live birth in late summer to 4-35 young. Retreats into crayfish burrows during hot weather. Primary food is crayfish. Also eats tadpoles and frogs. Like other water snakes, it will discharge musk and feces when threatened.