Seminatrix pygaea                                             Photo Fiona Sunquist ©

The smooth shiny swamp snake reaches a length of 10-15 in (25-38 cm). Its back is black and the belly is red.

This highly aquatic snake is found in a variety of wetlands, including cypress swamps, lakes, ponds and other areas with dense aquatic vegetation.  It is rarely seen away from water, but can sometimes be found under debris near water or seen crossing a road during heavy rains. They feed on fish, tadpoles and invertebrates. 

Swamp snakes are live bearers, giving birth to 2-11 young.

Swamp snakes are non-venomous.

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