Diamondback Water Snake

Nerodia rhombifer

This species feeds on frogs, fish, and tadpoles; it hunts during the day in mild weather and is active during the night during midsummer. It can usually be seen basking at the water's edge, where it can quickly escape to deep water when approached. Water snakes bite when captured, and their bite is more painful than that of other nonvenomous snakes because of their long teeth. Water snakes feed on fish and amphibians, so they need relatively long teeth with which to grip their slippery prey.

Look For : A water snake with a chainlike pattern and yellowish belly.

Length : 30-63".

Habitat : Swamps, marshes, lakes.

Range : South-central and southwestern U.S.