The Eastern mud snake, Farancia a. abacura, remains quite common throughout its range. Unlike the related riverine rainbow snake that feeds almost exclusively on migratory American eels, the mud snake eats resident elongate salamanders of the genera Amphiuma and Siren, as well as an occasional frog.

Mud snakes are a large snake with occasional females exceeding 6.5 feet in length by a few inches. Males are smaller.



This is a primarily aquatic snake that is found in many swamps and marshes from southeastern Virginia and central Georgia to the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Throughout much of Alabama and the western panhandle of Florida it intergrades with the western subspecies. Where populous, these snakes may often be seen crossing roads on sultry/rainy nights. Heavy vehicular traffic can wreak havoc at such times.

Mudsnakes are beautifully colored. They are shiny black dorsally and primarily red ventrally. There are regularly placed black blotches along the edges of the belly scales on both sides. The tail is tipped with a conical spine.

Occasional examples are anerythristic, the red being replaced by white. Albinism is known.

When in their range and habitat this is a species that you should take the time to look up.


More photos under the jump...