Florida's Snakes
Queensnake
(Regina septemvittata)NON-VENOMOUS
Striped OR
Solid-colored
Queensnake
Photos by P. Hill (upper photo) and John Jensen (lower photo). Photos may not be used for any purpose without the express written permission of the photographer.
Size:
Usually 1–2 ft. (max. 3 ft.)
Identification:
Body is grayish-brown and is sometimes marked with faint darker stripes. Sides are marked with a distinct yellow-tan stripe that contrasts sharply with the dark back. Pale belly is marked with a double row of dark spots; belly of older individuals may be dark, obscuring the spots. Scales have obvious lengthwise ridges (keels). This snake gives birth to live young (does not lay eggs).
Habitats:
Found in the western panhandle of Florida in hardwood forests along sandy or hard-bottomed streams where crayfish prey are plentiful. It is sometimes found in bottomland forests and cypress swamps.
Diet:
Mostly crayfish
Map by Monica E. McGarrity - may be used freely for education.