Kenneth L. Krysko photo.

Scientific name: Seminatrix pygaea .

The following key will separate the two subspecies of swamp snake that are found in Florida. If you are unable to distinguish between the subspecies using characteristics in the key below, you should be able to do so based on geographic location alone.

1a	117 or fewer belly scales; short triangular markings on either side of the belly scales; south Florida.	South Florida swamp snake, Seminatrix pygaea cyclas
1b	118 or more belly scales; transverse black line on either side of the belly scales; central Florida and the coastal plain to southeastern Alabama and Georgia.	North Florida swamp snake, Seminatrix pygaea pygaea

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Checklist of Florida Amphibians and Reptiles — Florida Herpetology