Broad-banded Watersnake of Louisiana

Broad-banded Watersnakes (Nerodia fasciata confluens), sometimes called Southern Watersnakes, are stout looking snakes with a series of reddish brown bands on a lighter background along their back. The underside or belly is yellowish with red wavy marks or spots on each scale.

The babies are similar to the adults, except their markings are more distinct and crisp.

Water snakes

a. Diamond-backed water snake, Nerodia rhombifers
b. Western green water snake, Nerodia cyclopion
c. Yellow-bellied water snake, Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster
d. Blotched water snake, Nerodia erythrogaster transversa
e. Dark phase of the southern water snake, Nerodia fasciata
f. Light phase of the southern water snake, Nerodia fasciata
g. Northern water snake, Nerodia sipedon
h. Salt march snake, Nerodia clarkia

Compare these Watersnakes to the Copperhead and Cottonmouth



C. Copperhead, Agkistrodon contortrix
D. Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus

 
Photo Reference: Harold A. Dundee and Douglas A. Rossman, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Louisiana

Snake's Breakfast by PhotoWolf

Broad-banded Watersnakes eat many aquatic animals including fish and amphibians. Prey is swallowed whole while still alive. Fish are swallowed head first, while most frogs are swallowed rear first.

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Broad-banded Watersnakes are live bearers. They usually mate in the spring and give birth to live young from midsummer to fall. Litters of young range from 6 to 80, but normally about 20-25 are born at one time. In early spring it is common for several males to congregate in shallow water habitats to mate with receptive females.

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