The diamondback water snake is predominantly brown, dark brown or dark olive green, with a black pattern along the back, each spot being diamond-shaped. Diamondback Water Snake diamondback water snake | source: USFWS Midwest Region via Flickr They are live-bearers, meaning that instead of laying eggs, they give birth to 10-15 live young in the late summer.ģ. It’s clear to see why this snake enjoys almost all of Illinois, a state populated with water sources. They also commonly inhabit reservoirs in the limestone that lines all of the rivers’ shorelines. This snake commonly is found basking on logs and rocks. On average, the common water snake is between two and three and a half feet. This snake is a light brown or gray color with red or dark brown cross-bands and splotches along its back or sides. The common water snake, also known as the northern water snake, is the most populated type of water snake and is very easy to find in Illinois. Common Water Snake Common water snake on a log They are mostly active during the day and feed in the evening on small reptiles, fish, and small animals.Ģ. They commonly live in cypress swamps or rivers, which is why they’re mostly contained to the southern part of Illinois. This aquatic snake loves water, but is usually found basking on logs or brush. Females are typically larger than males and their scales are ridged. Their belly features light spots on grey or brown. This snake grows to be between 2 and a half feet to 3 and a half feet long and is mostly green or brown with dim black crossbars.
They are not a highly populated snake in this area, but do still inhabit the far southwest portion of the state. The green water snake, also sometimes called the Mississippi green water snake, can be found in the southernmost part of Illinois. Green Water Snake green water snake | image by Brandon Trentler via Flickr | CC BY 2.0 Illinois’ rich soil and expansive water systems make it home to water snakes like the green water snake, common water snake, diamondback water snake, yellowbelly water snake, copperbelly water snake, and the banded water snake. Let’s take a look at which water snakes you can find in the state of Illinois! The 6 Types of Water Snakes in Illinois In particular, this makes many parts of the state a great home for water snakes. All of this water creates a great habitat for many types of aquatic wildlife, including reptiles like snakes. Illinois has 57,918 square miles of land, but also 85 lakes and 87,110 miles of rivers within its borders. The Genus includes 9 total species, and all are native to North America. Water snakes are nonvenomous colubrid snakes that exhibit highly aquatic behavior.
The species on the following list of water snakes in Illinois fall under the Genus Nerodia, more commonly referred to as water snakes. While all snakes are adept swimmers, some prefer water more than land.
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