Wildlife Wednesday - Broad-banded Watersnake
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Broad-banded Watersnake
The Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata confluens) is a species of mostly aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snakes common in Jesse H. Jones Park. Their appearance leads them to be frequently mistaken for other snakes with which they share a habitat, including the venomous cottonmouth.
It inhabits most freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and ditches. They are active both day and night and may be seen basking on logs or branches overhanging the water or foraging in shallow water.
An attractive snake, it is typically gray, greenish-gray, or brown in color, with dark crossbanding. Many specimens are so dark in color that their patterning is barely discernible. The belly is typically an off-white to white. They have flat heads, and are fairly heavy-bodied. Broad-banded Watersnakes may also be identified by a dark stripe which extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw. If irritated, they release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators. This species also exhibits sexual dimorphism in which the female is generally longer and heavier than the male. Adults measure from 61.0-107 cm (24.0-42.1 in) in total length.
The species preys mainly on fish and frogs. On occasion, they prey on small turtles, small snakes, birds, earthworms, and even crawfish. Juveniles mainly consume fish and shift towards eating frogs as adults.
The species is viviparous, giving birth to live young. The brood size varies from 15-20 young born in late July or August. Newborns are 200–240 mm (about 8.0–9.5 in) in total length.
The Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata confluens) is a species of mostly aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snakes common in Jesse H. Jones Park. Their appearance leads them to be frequently mistaken for other snakes with which they share a habitat, including the venomous cottonmouth.
It inhabits most freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and ditches. They are active both day and night and may be seen basking on logs or branches overhanging the water or foraging in shallow water.
An attractive snake, it is typically gray, greenish-gray, or brown in color, with dark crossbanding. Many specimens are so dark in color that their patterning is barely discernible. The belly is typically an off-white to white. They have flat heads, and are fairly heavy-bodied. Broad-banded Watersnakes may also be identified by a dark stripe which extends from the eye to the angle of the jaw. If irritated, they release a foul-smelling musk to deter predators. This species also exhibits sexual dimorphism in which the female is generally longer and heavier than the male. Adults measure from 61.0-107 cm (24.0-42.1 in) in total length.
The species preys mainly on fish and frogs. On occasion, they prey on small turtles, small snakes, birds, earthworms, and even crawfish. Juveniles mainly consume fish and shift towards eating frogs as adults.
The species is viviparous, giving birth to live young. The brood size varies from 15-20 young born in late July or August. Newborns are 200–240 mm (about 8.0–9.5 in) in total length.
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Where is it happening?
Jesse H Jones Park & Nature Center, 20634 Kenswick Dr,Humble,TX,United States
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Host or PublisherJesse H Jones Park & Nature Center