Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta
Encyclopedia
The Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) is listed as a threatened species.
The largest length on record is 65.5 inches (166.4 cm) in the northern edge of the range.
Baby copperbellies are 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and in a year are about 18 inches (45.7 cm) long. They are patterned with two-toned, reddish-brown, saddle-like banding with reddish-orange chins and lips. They are cryptic, camouflaged, secretive and hardly ever seen.
The largest brood on record is 38 young born, in the northern edge of the range, while 16-18 young is the average brood.
Lowland and some upland woods are almost always part of the swamp habitat. Recent studies have shown that at least 500 acres (202.3 ha) of more or less continuous swamp-forest habitat is necessary to sustain a viable population over time.
Vernal wetlands are necessary and frequently used by copperbellies in the spring through June, because of prey species' reproduction and growth.
Permanent, vegetated, shallow-edged wetlands are an important part of the habitat, but less so than vernal wetlands. A mix/matrix of both types within continuous swamp-forest and woodlots may be ideal for sustaining all age/size classes.
Crushing tiles to restore ponds in farm country enhances the habitat. Spring temporary swamps, regardless of size, that dry up in mid-summer are crucial to the habitat.
Upland woods and slightly-elevated lowland chimney crayfish burrows are used as winter hibernation sites.
Adults have been observed hunting in small groups, although this behavior is rarely seen.
An entire colony of all age/size classes has once been observed just underwater, foraging together in the shallows of a small woodland shrub swamp, their heads moving back and forth with mouths open, even along with a few common water snakes. They were apparently foraging for tadpoles.
Peak foraging times are 900–1300 hrs with a secondary, smaller peak between 1700–1900 hrs, depending on weather conditions. Nocturnal foraging has been observed in the southern part of the range, and after hot, humid summer days in the northern sector.
Prey species are caught in water and on land, often far from wetlands. The snakes find food in the woods after the late spring rains, especially if there is a high water table, cover items and chimney crayfish burrows.
Rivers, farm ditches, small streams, rocky areas and any fast-moving waters are avoided. Adjacent ditches and streams are often used, especially if enhanced by beaver and muskrat activity.
, northeastern Indiana
, and northwestern Ohio
has been listed as threatened. Another population of these snakes live in southwestern Indiana
and adjacent Illinois
and Kentucky
, and southeastern Indiana
. That population is not listed as threatened, but is protected by conservation agreements with State Departments of Natural Resources, various other State agencies, and coal companies.
Law enforcement will be regularly on-site to prevent any collection, harassment and disturbance of this species and habitats. If any of these activities are found, legal action, including arrests and citations, will ensue.
All radiotracking and other invasive studies have been done 1987–2006, with all necessary baseline data gained. There is no longer a reason or need to continue with that disruptive practice.
Observing and monitoring copperbellies in the wild and their habitats should continue, as well as expanding and securing existing, confirmed habitats.
Appearance
Copperbelly water snakes have a solid dark (usually black) back with a bright orange-red belly. They grow to 3 to 5 ft (91.4 to 152.4 cm) long. They are not poisonous.The largest length on record is 65.5 inches (166.4 cm) in the northern edge of the range.
Baby copperbellies are 6 inches (15.2 cm) long and in a year are about 18 inches (45.7 cm) long. They are patterned with two-toned, reddish-brown, saddle-like banding with reddish-orange chins and lips. They are cryptic, camouflaged, secretive and hardly ever seen.
The largest brood on record is 38 young born, in the northern edge of the range, while 16-18 young is the average brood.
Habitat
Copperbellies live in lowland swamps or other warm, quiet waters.Lowland and some upland woods are almost always part of the swamp habitat. Recent studies have shown that at least 500 acres (202.3 ha) of more or less continuous swamp-forest habitat is necessary to sustain a viable population over time.
Vernal wetlands are necessary and frequently used by copperbellies in the spring through June, because of prey species' reproduction and growth.
Permanent, vegetated, shallow-edged wetlands are an important part of the habitat, but less so than vernal wetlands. A mix/matrix of both types within continuous swamp-forest and woodlots may be ideal for sustaining all age/size classes.
Crushing tiles to restore ponds in farm country enhances the habitat. Spring temporary swamps, regardless of size, that dry up in mid-summer are crucial to the habitat.
Upland woods and slightly-elevated lowland chimney crayfish burrows are used as winter hibernation sites.
Reproduction
Young snakes are born in the fall near or in the winter hibernation site. The average litter size is 18 young.Feeding Habits
The snakes feed on frogs, tadpoles, crayfish, and small fish.Adults have been observed hunting in small groups, although this behavior is rarely seen.
An entire colony of all age/size classes has once been observed just underwater, foraging together in the shallows of a small woodland shrub swamp, their heads moving back and forth with mouths open, even along with a few common water snakes. They were apparently foraging for tadpoles.
Peak foraging times are 900–1300 hrs with a secondary, smaller peak between 1700–1900 hrs, depending on weather conditions. Nocturnal foraging has been observed in the southern part of the range, and after hot, humid summer days in the northern sector.
Prey species are caught in water and on land, often far from wetlands. The snakes find food in the woods after the late spring rains, especially if there is a high water table, cover items and chimney crayfish burrows.
Rivers, farm ditches, small streams, rocky areas and any fast-moving waters are avoided. Adjacent ditches and streams are often used, especially if enhanced by beaver and muskrat activity.
Range
The population of Copperbelly water snakes that live in southern MichiganMichigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, northeastern Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, and northwestern Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
has been listed as threatened. Another population of these snakes live in southwestern Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
and adjacent Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
, and southeastern Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
. That population is not listed as threatened, but is protected by conservation agreements with State Departments of Natural Resources, various other State agencies, and coal companies.
Habitat Loss or Degradation
These snakes have declined mainly because of the drainage, loss and filling over of their lowland swamp habitat and clearing of adjacent upland woods where they spend the winter (hibernation sites).Collection
Copperbelly Water Snakes are collected fairly regularly because of their rarity, large size, unique color, and value in the pet trade. Under the Endangered Species Act, collection is illegal without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Predation
During migration, they are vulnerable to predation, especially when their migration routes are interrupted by cleared areas such as roads, mowed areas, and farmlands.Listing
The copperbelly water snake was added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on February 28, 1997. The population that was listed as threatened occurs in southern Michigan, northeastern Indiana, and northwestern Ohio. The population that occurs in southern Illinois, southern Indiana, and western Kentucky was not listed but has been protected by conservation agreements.Recovery Plan
In September 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service completed a draft recovery plan that describes and prioritizes actions needed to conserve this species.Research
Researchers are and will continue monitoring and surveying the copperbelly water snake to find current population status and the best ways to continue enhancing and managing for the snake and its habitat.Law enforcement will be regularly on-site to prevent any collection, harassment and disturbance of this species and habitats. If any of these activities are found, legal action, including arrests and citations, will ensue.
All radiotracking and other invasive studies have been done 1987–2006, with all necessary baseline data gained. There is no longer a reason or need to continue with that disruptive practice.
Observing and monitoring copperbellies in the wild and their habitats should continue, as well as expanding and securing existing, confirmed habitats.