Banded Water Snake

Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is a non-venomous species of snake found in the southeastern United States. It is typically brown or gray in color with dark crossbands along its body. It has a large head and a thick body, and can reach up to 4 feet in length. It is found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams. Its lifespan is typically between 10 and 15 years. The current population of Nerodia fasciata is stable.

Name Origin: The scientific name of the organism, Nerodia fasciata, is derived from the Latin words "nero" meaning "black" and "dia" meaning "band". This is in reference to the black bands that are present on the body of the organism.

Related Species: Nerodia clarkii, Nerodia erythrogaster, Nerodia taxispilota, Nerodia rhombifer, Nerodia sipedon

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Reptilia

Class: Reptile

Order: Reptilia

Family: Colubridae

Genus: Herpetonema

Species: Snake

Nerodia fasciata can be found in a variety of habitats, including swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams. They prefer areas with plenty of vegetation, such as cattails, reeds, and grasses, and they need access to shallow, still water. They also require plenty of basking spots, such as logs, rocks, and vegetation, to regulate their body temperature. Other animals that can be found in the same habitat include frogs, turtles, and fish. This species is well-adapted to its environment and can be seen swimming, basking, and hunting for food.

Native country: US, Mexico

Native continent: They are native to North America, mainly found in the United States.

Other organisms found in habitat: Fish, Frogs, Turtles, Insects, Plants, Algae, Bacteria

Appearance Summary: Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is a medium-sized, non-venomous snake. It has a distinct pattern of dark brown or black crossbands on its back and sides, with a light-colored belly. Its head is usually darker than its body, and it has a dark line running from its eye to its jaw. It has a long, slender body and can reach up to 3 feet in length. Its scales are smooth and its tail is short and pointed. It is a semi-aquatic species, found in slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes.

Facial description: Nerodia fasciata has a distinct facial pattern with a light-colored stripe running from the snout to the back of the head. The stripe is bordered by two dark stripes, one on each side. The eyes are large and round, and the nostrils are located near the tip of the snout. The head is slightly wider than the neck and the jaws are slightly upturned. The scales are smooth and the coloration is typically brown or olive.

What are the distinct features of Banded Water Snake? Smooth, dark brown to black skin, white or yellowish stripes, keeled scales, upturned snout, large eyes, can grow up to 3 feet in length, emits a musky odor when disturbed, emits a loud hissing sound when threatened, nocturnal, hides in vegetation, feeds on fish, frogs, and small mammals.

What makes them unique?

Banded Water Snake body color description: The most common colors of Nerodia fasciata are brown, olive, and gray.

skin type: The Nerodia fasciata has a smooth, glossy exterior with faint, dark crossbands. Its scales are large and keeled, giving it a rough, scaly texture.

Strengths: Camouflage, Nocturnal, Adaptability, Fast Swimming, Venomous Bite

Weaknesses: Poor eyesight, Slow moving, Poor climber, Poor swimmer

Nerodia fasciata behavior summary: Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is a semi-aquatic species that is found in the southeastern United States. It is a strong swimmer and can be seen basking on logs or rocks near the water's edge. It is a nocturnal species and will hide in logs, rocks, and vegetation during the day. When threatened, it will coil its body and flatten its head to appear larger and more intimidating. It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals. It is also known to eat carrion and will sometimes scavenge for food.

How do they defend themselves? Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, defends itself from attacks by using its camouflage to blend in with its environment. It also has a strong musk that it can release when threatened. Additionally, it can bite and coil its body to appear larger and more intimidating.

How do Banded Water Snake respond to stimuli in their environment? Chemical Signals, Visual Signals, Vocalizations

How do Banded Water Snake gather food? Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is a semi-aquatic snake that hunts for food in the water. It uses its keen sense of smell to detect prey, such as frogs, fish, and crayfish, and then uses its sharp teeth to capture and consume them. To survive, Nerodia fasciata needs access to a water source and a variety of prey. Challenges faced while hunting include competition from other predators, such as birds and larger snakes, and the need to remain hidden from potential predators.

How do Banded Water Snake communicate in their environment? They use a variety of methods to communicate with other organisms, such as visual cues, chemical signals, and vocalizations. They also use body language to express their emotions and intentions, such as head bobbing and tongue flicking. They also use pheromones to attract mates and mark their territory.

Examples: They use visual cues, such as head bobbing, to communicate;They use chemical cues, such as pheromones, to communicate;They use sound cues, such as hissing, to communicate

How does the Banded Water Snake get territorial? Stakeout, Defend, Chase

Diet Summary: Nerodia fasciata typically feeds on fish, frogs, crayfish, and aquatic insects. Toxic and unhealthy foods for this organism include small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Predators: Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is threatened by a variety of predators, environmental changes, and negative impacts to its population growth. These include predation by birds, mammals, and other snakes, as well as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. These factors have caused a decrease in the population of Nerodia fasciata, making it an endangered species.

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Predators (Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Hawks, Owls, Snakes)

Life cycle: Nerodia fasciata reproduces by laying eggs in the spring and summer. The eggs hatch in about two weeks and the young snakes are about 8 inches long. They reach maturity in two to three years and can live up to 10 years. The female can lay up to 30 eggs in a single clutch. The eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation and the female will stay with the eggs until they hatch. After hatching, the young snakes will disperse and find their own territory.

Average litter or reproduction: 8.5

Average offspring size: 10-20 cm

Most common health issues: Respiratory Issues, Skin Irritation, Allergic Reactions, Gastrointestinal Issues

Threats: Habitat Loss, Pollution, Predators (Coyotes, Foxes, Raccoons, Hawks, Owls, Snakes)

Common diseases that threaten the Banded Water Snake population: Malnutrition, Parasitic Infections, Respiratory Infections, Skin Infections, Gastrointestinal Infections, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Stress, Anxiety, Depression

Population: Nerodia fasciata's population has been steadily decreasing since 2010, with the lowest population count recorded in 2018. The population peaked in 2009, with a count of over 1,000 individuals. The population count has been below 500 since 2014, and below 200 since 2016.

How do Banded Water Snake adapt to their environment Nerodia fasciata, commonly known as the banded water snake, is an aquatic species that has adapted to its environment by developing a flattened body shape that allows it to move quickly and easily through the water. This adaptation helps the snake to catch prey and avoid predators. For example, when a banded water snake is swimming in a lake, its flattened body shape helps it to quickly maneuver around obstacles and catch small fish.

What's their social structure? Nerodia fasciata is a species of nonvenomous snake found in the southeastern United States. They are considered to be a mid-level predator in the food chain, feeding on small fish, frogs, and other small animals. They are also known to eat other snakes, including their own species. They are social creatures, living in large groups and interacting with their family and species. They have a hierarchical social structure, with dominant males and females at the top and subordinate males and females at the bottom. The dominant individuals are usually larger and more aggressive, while the subordinate individuals are smaller and more passive. They also have a complex communication system, using body language and vocalizations to communicate with each other.

How would you describe their survival instincts? They have a keen sense of smell and sight, allowing them to detect potential predators and prey. They respond to stimuli by quickly moving away from potential threats and towards potential food sources. They also have the ability to camouflage themselves in their environment, helping them to remain undetected.