Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I caught this little guy at work today and was hoping for a confirmation on species.
I am pretty sure it is nerodia sipedon (northern water snake)
but I have never seen one this small so I can't be 100% sure.
Sorry for the poor quality of the photo.
Any help?

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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

Nerodia have keeled scales.
That looks like Lampropeltis calligaster.
Either L. c. calligaster (from the south central states)
or L. c. rhombomaculata (from the southeastern states).
Just my guess.
Gnawing On The Gouda
The Mouse In The House

>>I caught this little guy at work today and was hoping for a confirmation on species.
>>I am pretty sure it is nerodia sipedon (northern water snake)
>>but I have never seen one this small so I can't be 100% sure.
>>Sorry for the poor quality of the photo.
>>Any help?
>>
>>-----
>>Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
>>Jimmy (draybar)
>>
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Chris Harrison

Wow, I would never have thought of that. I didn't realize that Mole Snakes (lampropeltis c. rhombomaculata) does show this part of Tennessee as part of it's range but I have never seen a hatchling or adult in my life. And have never spoken to anyone who has.
So you guys really think that is what it is?
Do they do well ion captivity?
Any information you could give on care?
thanks
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

>>Wow, I would never have thought of that. I didn't realize that Mole Snakes (lampropeltis c. rhombomaculata) does show this part of Tennessee as part of it's range but I have never seen a hatchling or adult in my life. And have never spoken to anyone who has.
>>So you guys really think that is what it is?
>>Do they do well ion captivity?
>>Any information you could give on care?
>>thanks

At first when I thought of lampropeltis caligaster (prairie king snake)I figured no way it's range doesn't reach Southeast Tennessee does it?
So that would only leave Mole snake if it is Lampropeltis.
anyone have any pictures of juveniles of prairie kings or moles?
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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)

L. c. rhombomaculata, which do make it up into far E TN. Prairie Kings make it about as far E as middle TN, with Prairie/Mole intergrades across southwest TN and north MS.

Lest there be any doubt, this from Conant and Collins re: Mole Kingsnake: "Young: Boldly marked with well-separated brown or red spots; two lengthwise dark streaks on neck..."
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MichaelB

This one's got my vote.
Ed

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Remember, my posts are MY opinion only.
Jimmy (draybar)