Identification
The
Queen Snake is about 20 to 30 inches long and is dark brown to olive in color
with a white to yellowish stripe flanking the base of each side. The belly is
yellow with four reddish-brown lengthwise stripes that sometimes merge towards
the tail. The young resemble adults in pattern except that the stripes are more
distinct. Similar species include: Kirtland’s
Snake
Distribution and Status
The Queen Snake can be found throughout central Indiana and in portions of the northern and southern sections of the state. The species is considered uncommon.
Ecology
Queen Snakes live in or near shallow, warm wetlands. Their diet consists almost entirely of crayfish. They bask on branches or roots above or near the water’s edge. Once very abundant, the Queen Snake is declining due to the reduction or loss of crayfish, their primary food source, as a result of siltation from urban and agricultural runoff.
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