Common Rainbow Snake

Distribution

The Common Rainbow Snake inhabits rivers, ditches, and blackwater swamps of the Coastal Plain region of Virginia. It can be occasionally found in tidal and brackish marshes.

Identifying Characteristics

Key identification features of the Common Rainbow Snake. Photos by ©Myles Masterson

• A large, colorful snake with three red stripes
• A black to blueish body
• Belly is red to yellow with two rows of black spots
• Chin and throat are yellow
• Scales are relatively smooth
• Tail is relatively short with a hardened tip

Habitat

The Common Rainbow Snake is both an aquatic and terrestrial snake. They can be found under logs, boards and in rock piles near water. When threatened, a Common Rainbow Snake will coil into a ball and attempt to hide its head. Occasionally found in open land after a heavy rain.

A Common Rainbow Snake at home along the riverbank. Photo by ©Dane Conley

Diet

Juveniles will consume tadpoles, small frogs, salamanders, and eels. As an adult, the Common Rainbow Snake preys nearly exclusively on eels. Prey items are eaten alive and usually swallowed head first.

An adult Common Rainbow Snake with a freshly caught American Eel. Photo by ©Ben Stegenga

Reproduction

The Common Rainbow Snake reproduces in July in Virginia, utilizing underground cavities in the sand to deposit eggs. Females lay 20-40 eggs and stay with the nest through the duration of incubation as a means of defense against predation. Young hatch in the fall and overwinter near the nesting site before migrating to more aquatic habitats as juveniles the following year.

A juvenile Common Rainbow Snake found in the Virginia coastal plain. Photo by ©Myles Masterson