Rainbow Snake
The rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma) is a large (ranges from 36-44 in or 91-112 cm), non-venomous, aquatic snake with bright scale coloration, hence the name rainbow snake. Adults have three posterior red stripes running in between dark black bands. The anterior is generally red or pink with two or three rows of black spots. Some adults have yellowish coloration laterally. This species of snake has small dark eyes, smooth shiny scales, and short tails with a spiny tip which they sometimes use as a probe. Male rainbow snakes are smaller than females but have relatively longer and thicker tails. Young rainbow snakes resemble adults but generally lack any yellow coloration.
This species inhabits a variety of aquatic habitats but are most commonly found in cypress swamps, creeks, streams, and rivers. Rainbow snakes can also be found in coastal areas with tidal influence or brackish waters. Although rainbow snakes are usually found in association with water, they occasionally move overland and may sometimes be found far from water.
Rainbow snakes are found throughout the southern United States from southern Virginia to eastern Louisiana and northern Florida. A subspecies of the rainbow snake known as the South Florida rainbow snake is know to have inhabited the vicinity of Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida; however, no snakes have been recently been observed.
The rainbow snake is not listed federally or by the state of Florida.
