In the rippling water and lush landscapes of Tennessee , an raiment of serpentine inhabitants thrive , each carve its niche within the intricate tapestry of the country ’s ecosystem .
Among these , the Tennessee Water Snakes stomach out as emblematic denizens of aquatic realm , their mien thread seamlessly into the mosaic of wetlands , river , and lakes that dot the region .
From the tightlipped slither of the Red - bellied Mud Snake to the nimble glide of the Diamondback Water Snake , these aquatic marvels embody the diversity and resilience of Tennessee ’s wildlife .
Different Types of Water Snakes in Tennessee
Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth , scientifically known as Agkistrodon piscivorus , browse in duration from 30 to 42 in and packs a virulent morsel . usually found in the western third ofTennessee , these body of water snake in the grass favour swampy habitats over lakes and rivers . Sporting a thick , sullen dark-brown body , their typical feature lies within their mouth , which ostentate a striking White person when threatened .
Despite their reputation for aggression , cottonmouth moccasin typically opt for escape or secrecy rather than confrontation . Contrary to popular feeling , they seldom pursue humanity and are more prepared to retreat . While care is warranted due to their deadly nature , thesesnakesare not the aggressive predators they ’re often portray as — expert to let them be if meet .
Red-bellied Mud Snake
The Red - belly out Mud Snake , scientifically identify Farancia abacura reinwardtii , measurement between 40 to 54 inches and notably lacks spite . As a race of the clay ophidian , it boom in hide home ground , favoring slow - moving or still fresh water environments . Within Tennessee , sighting are rare due to its secretive tendencies , leaving its universe status relatively unknown in the state .
However , it appears most prevalent in stream and creeks circumvent Reelfoot Lake . Feeding predominantly on amphibious vehicle such as sirens and amphiumas , this species distinguishes itself with a striking red and black “ zipper - similar ” pattern , setting it apart from other ophidian inhabiting the region .
Queen Snake
The Queen Snake , scientifically named Regina septemvittata , spans from 15 to 24 inches in distance and is non - poisonous . Preferring aquatic habitats , it flourish in rocky stream across fundamental and eastern Tennessee . While their populations are currently deem stable , potential threat tower due to dwindling prey populations and deposit accumulation .
Their diet primarily consists of crayfish , occasionally supplement with tadpoles . standardised to legion watersnake species , they employ viviparous breeding , give parturition to live young . Recognizable by their slender build and clear-cut marking , Queen ophidian pilot their watery sphere with agility , bring to the intricate ecological balance of their habitats .
Mississippi Green Water Snake
The Mississippi Green Water Snake , scientifically known as Nerodia cyclopion , quantity between 30 to 45 inch and lack venom . fly high in the cypress tree swamps of the extreme westerly region of the state , these snakes mix seamlessly into their environs with their obscure , greenish - browned food color . Predominantly piscivorous , they prey upon Pisces the Fishes , frogs , and tadpoles within their muddy home ground .
Adult individuals are characterized by distinctive half - synodic month - shaped yellow scoring deck their bellies . Often found savor on branches overhanging the urine , they employ live-bearing reproduction , giving birth to live offspring . Their preference for withdraw , weak domains underscore their crucial role within the frail ecosystems of the cypress tree swamps .
Plain-bellied Water Snakes
The Plain - belly Water Snake , scientifically term Nerodia erythrogaster , ranges from 30 to 48 column inch in length and is non - deadly . Indigenous to the south - key and south - western region of Tennessee , as well as the turning point of the Cumberland and Tennessee river , these snakes exhibit a distinctive color . Sporting a bleak dorsal surface complement by pale sensationalistic or brown venter , they choose serene , slow - moving aquatic habitats , favoring lake and swamps over river .
Amphibians like salientian , toads , and salamanders plant their primary prey , although they occasionally dine on fish . Notably , when threaten , they exhibit a unique behavior — attempting to flee on estate or else of essay resort in pee — a characteristic that sets them apart from otherwater snake mintage .
Southern Water Snake
The Southern Water Snake , scientifically bear on to as Nerodia fasciata fasciata , measure between 22 to 36 inches and lacks spite . As a race of the band H2O Hydra , it displays distinctive dark and light brownish stria along its dorsal surface , resembling the venomous Agkistrodon piscivorus . In Tennessee , it inhabits areas around Reelfoot Lake and county environ the Tennessee River .
prefer thick botany for concealment , these snakes mainly predate on Pisces , occasionally supplementing their diet with amphibians . unluckily , their resemblance to cottonmouths often lead to misidentification and subsequent harm , as they are frequently mistaken for their vicious counterparts .
Diamondback Water Snake
The Diamondback Water Snake , scientifically known as Nerodia rhombifer , ranges from 30 to 48 inches in distance and lack venom . Commonly sighted in western and central Tennessee , peculiarly within the Mississippi , Tennessee , and Cumberland river drainages , they exhibit adaptability to various aquatic habitats . However , they show a orientation for oxbow lake , rivers , and cypress swamps .
Their diet predominantly consists of slowly - move Pisces the Fishes , with catfish being a preferred prey item . demonstrate nocturnal behavior during the summertime month , they transition to diurnal activity patterns in the wintertime . This species ’ various habitat selection and feeding wont contribute to its resiliency and success within Tennessee ’s diverse aquatic ecosystems .
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake , scientifically term Nerodia sipedon , distich from 24 to 42 inches in length and is non - venomous . Exhibiting greater color variation liken to other species , soul can range from gray to brown and even nearly dim , with colour intensify as they age . Widely disseminate throughout Tennessee , they favor tranquil aquatic environs , particularly pond and lakes , where they frequently bask along the water ’s edge .
in the main piscivorous , they prey on various fish species , showing a preference for non - halt varieties . While amphibians are from time to time on their fare , they typically choose to fly from threats , resorting to justificative biting only when captured , underscore their inclination towards avoidance rather than confrontation .
Western Ribbon Snake
The Western Ribbon Snake , scientifically known as Thamnophis proximus , typically criterion between 20 to 30 inches and is non - deadly . Distinguished by three wan stripes retrace down their lithe organic structure , these snakes are intimately associated with water habitat , although they spend less clock time submerged compare to water snakes . Confined to the four county of far western Tennessee , they exhibit a penchant for orbit near H2O bodies .
Small toad , polliwog , and minnows constitute their master diet . Renowned for their agility , they swiftly retreat into dense vegetation when threatened , use nonpayment tactics rather than seeking refuge in body of water — an adaption characteristic of their behaviour .
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbonsnake , scientifically termed Thamnophis sauritus , rank from 18 to 26 inches in duration and is non - deadly . preponderantly inhabiting the western regions of the country , thisgarter snakespecies is characterized by three decided jaundiced chevron run along its dorsal surface . While not aquatic medical specialist , they uphold unaired proximity to water torso , favoring thickly vegetated river and pullulate bank for both home ground and hunting soil .
Amphibians and fish rank and file as their principal prey , supplemented occasionally by insects . When threatened , they exhibit a alone behavior of gliding across the urine ’s aerofoil rather than submerse , utilizing water as a means of escape while stay within their preferred terrestrial home ground .
Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake , scientifically known as Thamnophis sirtalis , bar between 18 to 26 in and is non - virulent . Distinguishing it from ribbon snake , this metal money boasts a calorie-free , spotted color . omnipresent across Tennessee , they populate diverse environments ramble from timber to urban areas . prefer propinquity to ponds and wetlands , they exhibit adaptability to various habitats .
Their diet embrace a wide cooking stove of prey , including frogs , toads , fish , and earthworms , reflecting their opportunistic alimentation behavior . Renowned for their agility , they are the fastest snakes in Tennessee , bilk seizure with singular swiftness — a testament to their baffling nature and quickness at eluding vulture .
