Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta

Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta

Copperbelly water snake, Copperbelly

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Subphylum
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SPECIES
Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta

The copperbelly water snake or copperbelly (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta ) is a subspecies of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the Central United States.

Appearance

Copperbelly water snakes have a solid dark (usually black but bluish and brown) back with a bright orange-red belly. They grow to a total length of 3 to 5 feet (91 to 152 cm). They are not venomous.

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The longest total length on record is 65.5 inches (166 cm) for a specimen from the northern edge of their range.

Newborn copperbellies are 6 inches (15 cm) in total length, and in a year are about 18 inches (46 cm) in total length. They are patterned with two-toned, reddish-brown, saddle-like crossbanding with reddish-orange chins and lips. Their bellies are light orange. They are cryptic, camouflaged, secretive and hardly ever seen.

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Distribution

Geography

Copperbellies live in lowland swamps or other warm, quiet waters.

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Lowland and some upland woods are almost always part of the swamp habitat. Recent studies have shown that at least 500 acres (200 ha) of more or less continuous swamp-forest habitat is necessary to sustain a viable population over time.

Vernal wetlands are necessary and frequently used by copperbellies in the spring through June, because of prey species' reproduction and growth.

Permanent, vegetated, shallow-edged wetlands are an important part of the habitat, but less so than vernal wetlands. A mix/matrix of both types within continuous swamp-forest and woodlots may be ideal for sustaining all age/size classes.

Crushing tiles to restore ponds in farm country enhances the habitat in case of drought, but keep Spring temporary swamps, regardless of size, that normally dry up in mid-late summer, as they are crucial to the habitat and associated flora and fauna.

Upland woods and slightly-elevated lowland chimney crayfish (Cambarus diogenes) burrows are used as winter hibernation sites. Barns and other outbuildings are also used.

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Diet and Nutrition

The snakes feed on frogs, tadpoles, salamanders, small fish, and maybe crayfish (crawdads).

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Adults have been observed hunting in small groups, although this behavior is rarely seen.

An entire colony of all age/size classes has once been observed just underwater, foraging together in the shallows of a small woodland shrub swamp, their heads moving back and forth with mouths open, even along with a few common water snakes. They were apparently foraging for tadpoles.

Peak foraging times are 900–1300 hrs with a secondary, smaller peak between 1700–1900 hrs, depending on weather conditions. Nocturnal foraging has been observed in the southern part of the range, and after hot, humid summer days in the northern sector.

Prey species are caught in water and on land, often far from wetlands. The snakes find food in the woods after the late spring rains, especially if there is a high water table, cover items and chimney crayfish burrows.

Rivers, farm ditches, small streams, rocky areas and any fast-moving waters are avoided. Adjacent ditches and streams are often used, especially if enhanced by beaver and muskrat activity.

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Mating Habits

Young snakes are born in the fall near or in the winter hibernation site. The average litter size is 18 young. The largest brood on record is 38 young born, in the northern part of their range.

Population

Recovery Plan

In September 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a draft recovery plan that describes and prioritizes actions needed to conserve this subspecies.

References

1. Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerodia_erythrogaster_neglecta

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