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Project Noah Nature School
Nerodia fasciata
It is typically gray, greenish-gray, or brown in color, with dark crossbanding. Many specimens are so dark in color that their patterning is barely discernible. They have flat heads, and are fairly heavy-bodied.
It inhabits most freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and streams. This specimen was observed swimming away from a bridge at a County's nature Preserve when a group of people on a botany hike started to cross the bridge. The area was a wetlands of cypress, redbay, and other mixed trees.
I would be dead by now if I didn't know the difference. Its all in experience and being out in the field with the species. 100% a Florida Banded
Can you determine which species from the photo? Fasciata or Pictiventris? Supposedly if one cannot you supposedly go by geography. I am in Pinellas County (north end). I am going w/ Fasciata?
This is a good time to read our blog post related to this issue: http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/3172862...
Remember that triangular head shapes, banding patterns, etc... are not clear indicators of a specific aquatic snake species.
Banding is a lot different the bands are smaller and become narrow. Cottonmouths bands are broad. Also the orange color as well in the striping and on the head. Another thing is the size of the body a skinny cottonmouth the spine is real defined and the head would look huge.
Jeff give me your diagnostics on this snake please. It was swimming away from me at the time. It was leaving an area along the bank where Cottonmouths "hangout" all the time. To me the head is triangular. Your background looks like you have a good deal experience w/ these critters. The banding, as I know could go either way. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing your spotting in the mission "Biodiversity of Florida", excellent capture!!!
Spotted on Apr 3, 2013
Submitted on Apr 4, 2013
