NON-VENOMOUS

Other common names

Striped Crayfish Snake

Basic description

Most adult Striped Swampsnakes are about 13-20 inches (33-51 cm) in total length. These small snakes are glossy brownish-yellow with three broad, dark stripes, one down the back and one along each side. The lower sides are yellowish-tan. The head appears small relative to the body, but the eyes are relatively large. The lip scales are yellow and contrast sharply with the brown color of the head. Juveniles are similar to adults.

coiled snake with brown stripes
Striped Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Range in Florida

Striped Swampsnakes occur throughout the Florida peninsula and into the extreme eastern Panhandle. They do not occur in the Florida Keys.

Assessment of risk to people and pets

Non-venomous. Striped swampsnakes are not dangerous to people or pets.

Comparison with other species

Glossy Swampsnake (Liodytes rigida) Non-venomous Glossy Swampsnakes are glossy brown to olive brown, with a faint dark stripe down the back and down each side. The scales on the body are keeled, and the belly is yellow or cream colored with two rows of small black half-moon-shaped markings.

two images side by side - Image 1: Glossy Swampsnake small black snake with yellow belly. Image 2: Striped Swampsnake. coiled snake with brown stripes
Glossy Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Striped Swampsnake. Photo courtesy of Todd Pierson.

Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) Non-venomous Black Swampsnakes are glossy black with bright red bellies.

two images side by side - Image 1: Black Swampsnake small black snake with an orange belly. Image 2: Striped Swampsnake. coiled snake with brown stripes
Black Swampsnake with belly color showing. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith.
Striped Swampsnake. 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.