Graham's Crayfish Snake
Regina grahamii
Summary 6
Regina grahamii, commonly known as Graham's crayfish snake, is a species of nonvenomous semiaquatic snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to the central United States.
Description 6
R. grahamii is a medium-sized snake, measuring an average of 18–28 inches (46–71 cm) in total length (including tail), but can grow up to almost 4 feet long in some cases. The maximum recorded total length is 47 inches (119 cm).
It is usually a brown or gray color with an occasional faint mid-dorsal stripe. Its lateral stripes are typically cream, white tan, or light yellow and located from the belly up to the fourth scale row. The belly is typically the same color as the lateral stripes and is unmarked, with the exception of a row of dark dots down the center (rare in specimens).
Behavior: 7
Recorded food items for the non-venomous Regina grahamii are mainly crayfish, though salamanders, tadpoles and adult frogs, and snails have been found in the stomachs of this snake species. Mainly nocturnal during the summer, R. grahamii can be sometimes be found basking in the early morning hours, particularly in the spring and the fall. This species can also be found hiding in crayfish burrows along stream banks.
Coloration: 7
Dorsal surface is olive, with the exception of a light colored lateral stripe found along the first three dorsal scale rows.
A broken line of black pigment is found along the border of the first dorsal scale row and the ventral scales.
Ventral surface is usually yellowish with a row of dark spots found medially, although individuals may be found with immaculate bellies.
Diet 6
Graham's crayfish snake feeds chiefly upon crayfish, especially recently molted crayfish. It is also reported to eat fish and amphibians.
Habitat: 7
Not a commonly found snake, Graham's crayfish snake is a semi-aquatic snake found near the edge of ponds and streams of eastern Texas, as well as in various flooded pastures and bottomlands.
Texas Distribution: 7
In Texas, Regina grahamii is found through much of the eastern third of the state, from the eastern border with Louisiana west to the aquifers of the Balcones Fault, with the distribution additionally extending into parts of the Panhandle and North Texas.
Conservation Status: 7
The Graham's crayfish snake is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Shaun Hayes, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Shaun Hayes
- (c) Judith Ellen Lopez, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), https://picasaweb.google.com/112692329998402018828/2014_05ArcadiaTrailSpring7#6016812333287934898
- (c) Bryan Box, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bryan Box
- (c) Jeromi Hefner, some rights reserved (CC BY), http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Graham%27s_Crawfish_Snake_(Regina_grahamii).jpg
- (c) Matt DuRoss, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Matt DuRoss
- (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regina_grahamii
- (c) Caleb Paul, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/776622
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