Nerodia clarkii clarkii
| Gulf salt marsh snake | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Natricinae |
| Genus: | Nerodia |
| Species: | N. clarkii |
| Subspecies: | N. c. clarkii |
| Trinomial name | |
| Nerodia clarkii clarkii Baird & Girard, 1853 | |
| Synonyms | |
Nerodia clarkii clarkii, the Gulf salt marsh snake, is a subspecies of N. clarkii that is indigenous to the southeastern United States. It is a nonvenomous, colubrid snake that inhabits coastal salt marshes and brackish estuaries along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Texas.[1][2]
Description
The Gulf salt marsh snake is a moderately stout aquatic snake.[1] Adult specimens attain an average total length of 38 to 51 cm (15 to 20 in), with the record maximum total length at 91.4 cm (36.0 in).[2] The color pattern in this subspecies is variable, but adults tend to have a dorsum that ranges from dark gray to reddish-brown with four yellowish longitudinal stripes down the body, two on each side. The belly is dark gray to reddish-brown with one to three rows of pale spots.[1][2]
Reproduction
The Gulf salt marsh snake reaches sexual maturity at three years. Females give birth to 2-44 live young that range from 17.7 to 22.8 centimetres (7.0 to 9.0 in) in total length. Their typical lifespan is up to 20 years.[1][2]
Diet
These snakes are primarily nocturnal, preying upon small fish, crabs, shrimp, and other invertebrates that become trapped in tidal pools during low tide.[1][2]