Graham's Crayfish Snake

Appearance

''R. grahamii'' is a medium-sized snake, measuring an average of 18–28 inches in total length, but can grow up to almost 4 feet long in some cases. The maximum recorded total length is 47 inches.

It is usually a brown or gray color with an occasional faint mid-dorsal stripe. Its lateral stripes are typically cream, white tan, or light yellow and located from the belly up to the fourth scale row. The belly is typically the same color as the lateral stripes and is unmarked, with the exception of a row of dark dots down the center.

Naming

The specific name, ''grahamii'', is in honor of Lt. Col. James Duncan Graham, U.S. Topographical Engineers, who collected the type specimen. Additional common names for ''R. grahamii'' include Arkansas water snake, Graham's leather snake, Graham's queen snake, Graham's snake, Graham's water snake, prairie water adder, prairie water snake, and striped moccasin.There are no subspecies of Graham's crayfish snake, ''Regina grahamii'', which are recognized.

Habitat

''Regina grahamii'' occurs along the margins of mud-bottom marshes, oxbow lakes, rivers and streams. It particularly likes roadside ditches abundant with crayfish. Graham's crayfish snake typically hides under rocks, logs, and other debris at the waters edge and also spend much time in crayfish burrows.

Reproduction

Adult females of ''R. grahamii'' bear live young in broods of 10–15. Each newborn is about 8 inches in total length .

Food

Graham's crayfish snake feeds chiefly upon crayfish, especially recently molted crayfish. It is also reported to eat fish and amphibians.

Defense

The primary defenses for this species, ''Regina grahamii'', are camouflage and nocturnal behavior. When alarmed, especially while basking, it will make a quick escape into the water and hide. This species is relatively docile, but it may flatten out and musk if captured.