- Regina alleni
taxobox
name = "Regina alleni"
image_caption =
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
subphylum = Vertebrata
classis = Reptilia
ordo =Squamata
subordo =Serpentes
familia =Colubridae
subfamilia =Natricinae
genus = "Regina"
species = "R. alleni"
binomial = "Regina alleni""Regina alleni" (Garman, 1874), the Striped crayfish snake, is a North American
snake that derives its common name from its principal prey,crayfish . This snake is also called the Striped swamp snake.Although rarely seen due to its secretive behavior, it can be found in large numbers in wet areas.
Description
This snake is of medium size, 35-50cm (14-20 inches) with heavy bodies. The stripes which contribute to its common name are indistinct and located on the dark dorsal side. The ventral side is yellow with some dark spots. There is a clear sexual dimorphism with the females being the larger sex.
Habitat and range
The striped crayfish snake is an aquatic snake and is regularly found in swamps and bogs, including cypress swamps as well as roadside ditches. The northern range is near the Florida-Georgia border.
Behavior
Besides crayfish, this snake also easts shrimp and dragonfly larva.
"Regina alleni" is a live-bearer, and the females produce about a half dozen or more young.
External links
* [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/Reginaalleni.htm Information and picture]
* [http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/snakes/regall.htm More information and pictures]
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