Diamondback water snake

The Diamondback water snake is classified as Least Concern. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.

The Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) is a common species of water snake found throughout much of the central United States and northern Mexico. It is non-venomous and a member of the colubrid family. There are three recognized subspecies of N. rhombifer. More

The Diamondback Water Snake has a tan to brown background color with a darker chain pattern along its back, giving the impression of tan, diamond-like shapes. This pattern is more apparent towards the head. Its belly is an ivory color and the throat is yellow. More

Diamondback water snakes are one of the larger medium sized snakes in the Escambia area. They range in length from 48 to 63 inches and may be quite heavy bodied as adults. The dorsal ground color is green, olive, brownish, or grayish. More

Warning The Diamondback Water Snake can be quick to bite if provoked and is capable of inflicting numerous small lacerations, but its bite in not venomous. This behavior, coupled with its habitat, often results in Diamondbacks being misidentified as poisonous Cottonmouths. More

harmless Diamondback Water Snake is often incorrectly referred to as a "water moccasin." This is because of its generally dark coloration and its irritable disposition. When threatened, Diamondback Water Snakes will behave like all other local harmless water snakes of the genus Nerodia. More

The diamondback water snake is our largest water snake. The record is 63 inches. The average size range that I have seen and collected is 3 - 5 feet and very stout. It is found throughout the state. More

Range (see map on left): The Diamondback Water Snake is found in a central band in the southern and central United States roughly centered around the Mississippi River. The species extends from southern Iowa and Illinois southward to Mississippi, Louisiana, and the eastern half of Texas. More

Photo of Diamondback Water Snake by Missouri Conservation Commision Copyright © Missouri Conservation Commission. All rights reserved. Patuxent Home Biological Characteristics Species Nerodia rhombifera grows to about 76 – 160 cm in length. More

diamondback water snake copperhead & cotton mouth water moccasin A Water Snake's Year - A Water Snake's Year A Water Snake's Year by: Doris Gove Amazon Price: (as of 01/02/2010)Buy Now More

The Diamondback Water Snake is from the order Squamata. Species from this order are amphisbaenians, lizards or snakes. There are over 6,000 living species belonging to the squamata order - it is the largest order of all reptiles. More

The Diamondback Water Snake is mainly brown, dark brown, or dark olive green with a black net-like pattern along their back, forming a series of diamond shapes down the middle of the back. There are usually dark vertical bars and lighter coloring on the sides. More

Common names

Culebra-de agua de diamantes in Spanish - español
Diamant Wassernatter, Rauten-Schwimmnatter in German - Deutsch
diamondback water snake in English - English