Identification

The Diamondback Water Snake has a tan to brown background color with a darker chain pattern along its back, giving the impression of tan, diamond-like shapes. This pattern is more apparent towards the head. Its belly is an ivory color and the throat is yellow. Adults can be quite large, being very heavy-bodied and measuring as much as 40 to 50 inches in length. The young are similar in pattern to the adults. Similar species include: Northern (and Midland) Water Snake, Copperbelly Water Snake, Cottonmouth

 

Distribution and Status

The Diamondback Water Snake can be found in extreme southwestern Indiana. It is considered common at some sites within this range.

 

Ecology

This species can be found in warm shallow pools, or sloughs, in the extreme southwestern portion of the state. Their diet consists mostly of slow-moving fish and amphibians. When threatened, they exhibit defensive behavior and will not hesitate to bite.

 

Resources
General reference guides and websites.

 

 

Bruce Kingsbury, Director

Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management

Science Building

Indiana-Purdue University

2101 East Coliseum Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499

herps@ipfw.edu