Striped Crayfish Snake

About the Striped Crayfish Snake

The striped crayfish snake (Liodytes alleni) is a species of semiaquatic North American snake in the family Colubridae. The species derives its common name from its principal prey, crayfish. This snake is also called Allen's snake, the striped swamp snake, the striped swampsnake, or simply the swamp snake. It is endemic to peninsular Florida. Although rarely seen due to its secretive behavior, it can be found in large numbers in wet areas, with densities approaching 1,300 snakes per hectare (525 snakes per acre).

The specific name, alleni, is in honor of American zoologist Joel Asaph Allen, who collected the type specimen. The striped crayfish snake is of "small medium" size, 33–50 centimetres (13–20 in) in total length (including tail), with a heavy body. The stripes which contribute to its common name are indistinct and located on the dark dorsal side. The ventral side is yellow with some dark spots. The dorsal scales, which are arranged in 19 rows at midbody, are smooth on the body, with some keeled scales in the anal region. There is a clear sexual dimorphism with the females being the larger sex. The striped crayfish snake is very similar to the... Wikipedia →