NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Eastern Mudsnake, Eastern Mud Snake

Basic description

Most adult Red-bellied Mudsnakes are about 40–54 inches (102–137 cm) in total length. Adults are large, thick bodied, and quite beautiful. The body is mostly glossy black (iridescent blue in the sunlight) with the ends of 53 or more red to pink bars from the belly extending onto the sides. The belly typically has a pattern consisting of alternating black and red or pink bars. The neck is thick and indistinct. The scales on the upper and lower lips, chin, and throat are yellowish and each has a dark spot. The iris is red. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults, but the red to pink bars from the belly extend higher onto their sides.

coiled snake showing its orange and black patterned belly
Adult Mudsnake, ventral (belly) coloration. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Range in Florida

Red-bellied Mudsnakes are found throughout Florida, except the Florida Keys.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Red-bellied Mudsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets.

Comparison with other species

Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogrsamma) Non-venomous Rainbow Snakes are glossy black with three thin red stripes running down the back and sides.

Two images side by side - Image 1: Rainbow Snake - long fat snake with black red and yellow stripes. Image 2: Red-bellied Snake - small orange snake with brown stripes.
Rainbow Snake. Photo courtesy of Ryan Means.
Adult Mudsnake, ventral (belly) coloration. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) Non-venomous Black Swampsnakes lack the reddish-pink triangular pattern on the sides and the alternating black and reddish-pink bars on the belly typically found on Red-bellied Mudsnakes.

Two images side by side - Image 1: Black Swampsnake small black snake with an orange belly. Image 2: Red-bellied Snake - small orange snake with brown stripes.
Black Swampsnake with belly color showing. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Adult Mudsnake, ventral (belly) coloration. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Share your observations

You can help scientists better understand the biology and distribution of this species by sharing your observations. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museum’s Herpetology Master Database. You can also post your observations on iNaturalist.

Additional helpful information

Do you have snakes around your house? Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes.

Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile.

Banner photo courtesy of Todd Pierson. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy.