The Glossy crayfish snake (Liodytes rigida rigida) is a subspecies of Crayfish snake. It is a nonvenomous snake native to the southeastern United States. Its scientific name, rigida, derives from the fact that it is comparatively stiff.
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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SemiaquaticSemiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate...
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PredatorPredators are animals that kill and eat other organisms, their prey. Predators may actively search for or pursue prey or wait for it, often conceal...
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Non-venomousNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe Glossy crayfish snake is a shiny, dark snake. Its color can be described as brown to olive brown. A few dark stripes are present on its back but hardly noticeable. The bottom of the snake is a cream-yellowish color, with small patterns similar to half-moons. It can be described as very stiff, which has earned it the nickname, "the stiff snake". This snake also has very rough scales, thought to aid in defense against its main food source, crayfish.
Glossy crayfish snakes are found in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States from eastern Virginia to eastern Texas but are absent from the southern portion of peninsular Florida. These snakes inhabit marshes, swamps, ponds, freshwater lakes, rice fields, canals, and floodplains. They can also be found in grassy or wooded upland habitats near wetlands.
Glossy crayfish snakes spend most of their time in the murky water but may sometimes bask on banks or on vegetation hanging over water. They may sometimes come on land during the rain. Glossy crayfish snakes are very secretive and seldom seen. They usually hide in muskrat or crayfish burrows, among aquatic plants, or under debris at the water's edge.
Glossy crayfish snakes are carnivores and feed almost entirely on crayfish. However, when their main food source is scarce, these snakes can prey on frogs, salamanders, small fish, and dragonfly larvae.
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Glossy crayfish snakes. Females are viviparous and give birth to live young.
There are no major threats facing Glossy crayfish snakes at present.
Presently, the Glossy crayfish snake is not included in the IUCN Red List and its conservation status has not been evaluated.
