Western Ribbon Snake

Description:

Ribbon snakes eat frogs and toads, and rarely eat insects , lizards, or other snakes. Their chief prey is the cricket frog, a common anuran found year-round almost everywhere in shallow, freshwater environments. They are not venomous, and although they will nip if handled roughly their teeth are unable to inflict serious injury.

Habitat:

Western ribbon snakes occur in grassland and woodland habitats, often in the vicinity of water sources, around swamps and in marshes. Areas with ample sunlight are preferred. They give birth to 4-34 young. This one was at the edge of the boardwalk at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

Notes:

There are a pair of white spots on the top of the head which, in this specimen, are joined so closely together that they appear as a single spot. In others the spots may be more obviously separated. The spinal stripe begins just behind the head and is initially pale in color. In this specimen the stripe is orange instead of red, a coloration that is uncommon.