Appearance
Adults of the banded water snake measures from 61 to 106.7 cm in total length, with a record size of 158.8 cm in total length. In one study of the species, the average body mass of adult snakes was 464.3 g .It is typically gray, greenish-gray, or brown in color, with dark crossbanding. Many specimens are so dark in color that their patterning is barely discernible. They have flat heads, and are fairly heavy-bodied.
Their appearance leads them to be frequently mistaken for other snakes with which they share a habitat, including the less common, venomous cottonmouth.
Naming
The three recognized subspecies of ''Nerodia fasciata'', including the nominotypical subspecies, are:⤷ ''Nerodia fasciata confluens''
⤷ ''Nerodia fasciata fasciata''
⤷ ''Nerodia fasciata pictiventris''
Habitat
''Nerodia fasciata'' inhabits most freshwater environments such as lakes, marshes, ponds, and streams.
Reproduction
The species is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. The brood size varies from 9 to 50. Newborns are 200–240 mm in total length.Food
It preys mainly on fish and frogs. Using its vomeronasal organ, also called Jacobson's organ, the snake can detect parvalbumins in the cutaneous mucus of its prey.References:
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