- Scientific Name
- Nerodia taxispilota
- Range
- Southeast Virginia
- Also Known As
- Water Pilot, Pied Watersnake
- Venomous
- No
- Features
- Brown with 25 Square Blotches
- Prey
- Catfish, Crayfish, Lizards, Frogs
- Litter Size
- 30 - 40 per Birth
- Life Span
- 9 Years
- Length
- 30 - 60 Inches
Quick Links for Brown Watersnake
Brown Watersnake Description
Brown Watersnake Appearance
This snake may look similar to the Northern Watersnake but the coloration and patterns are different. This snake, as it’s name suggests has a brown body, but has chocolate brown square blotches.
These blotches can sometimes be thinner in the middle making a somewhat “H” shape to them.
Their chin will be a darker brown, and belly will be a cream color.
Size
This snake is usually between 30 to 60 inches long, however, the record length for this snake is about 69.5 inches. The record found in Virginia is 68.7 inches.
Juveniles tend to be 11 inches long.
This snake’s main color is a dark brown with cream belly
Brown Watersnake Behavior
It is illegal in Virginia to keep Wild Snakes as pets
Range and Habitat of The Brown Watersnake
Range
These can be found in Southeast Virginia, and can extend up to the Richmond area. Virginia, is their most northern range, while Mobile Alabama is their most western. These can be found in all of Florida all the way to Miami.
Habitat
They can be found in swamps and streams.
They can be found in the rivers of Southeast Virginia
Diet of Brown Watersnake
Their diet mainly consists of catfish, but they may also feed on crayfish, small lizards, and frogs.
Reproduction and Young
Reproduction
These snakes prefer to mate away from the water, and on land or preferably, tree branches. Mating season for these snakes start in the Spring.
Eggs and Young
Juveniles will have the same coloration and patterns as the adults. At birth the snake are measured at 7 to 11 inches long.
Juvenile’s patterns are much more apparent as shown here