Red-bellied Mudsnake
Subspecies occurring in Louisiana is the Western (Farancia abacura reinwardtii)
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Scientific Name:
Farancia abacura Aquatic and Terrestrial
Native
Snakes
Nonvenomous
Description
Medium-large-sized snake- 25 to 80 inches long. Shiny black above with a red underside crossed with black bands; the red irregularly extends onto the lower sides. The tail tip has a hardened point. Scales are smooth and in 19 rows.
Range and Habitat
Found in low, swampy regions throughout the state. Favor low, swampy ground and ditches but may wander abroad during wet weather.
Behavior
Suffer from the mistaken belief that they can sting with their tail and roll into a hoop. Although they may coil in concentric loops while at rest, mud snakes (and all snakes) are incapable of rolling like a wheel down a slope. The spine on the end of the tail is not sharp enough to pierce a person's skin, nor do these snakes possess any poison glands or stinging apparatus. The spine seems to be used to aid in pinning eel-like salamanders on which mud snakes feed. Despite their formidable appearance, mud snakes rarely bite but, when threatened, may thrash about or roll over to expose their bright red belly. They lay from 15 to 50 eggs, and the female often remains coiled about her clutch.
Population Status
Populations are considered stable and can be observed statewide.