Kingdom Animalia Suborder Serpentes Subfamily Natricinae Scientific name Regina alleni Higher classification Regina Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Colubridae Genus Regina Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Snake, Glossy crayfish snake, Regina rigida, Reptile, Seminatrix | ||
Regina alleni, the striped crayfish snake, is a species of semiaquatic North American snake that derives its common name from its principal prey, crayfish. This snake is also called the striped swamp snake. It is endemic to peninsular Florida.
Contents
Although rarely seen due to its secretive behavior, it can be found in large numbers in wet areas.
Etymology
The specific name, alleni, is in honor of zoologist Joel Asaph Allen, who collected the type specimen.
Description
This snake is of "small medium" size, 33–50 centimetres (13–20 in) 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. There is a clear sexual dimorphism with the females being the larger sex.
Habitat and geographic range
The striped crayfish snake is a semiaquatic snake and is regularly found in swamps and bogs, including cypress swamps as well as roadside ditches. The northern range limit is near the Florida-Georgia border.
Behavior
Besides crayfish, this snake also eats shrimp and dragonfly larvae.
Reproduction
Regina alleni is a live-bearer, and the females produce six or more young.