Western Mudsnake

This thick-bodied, highly aquatic species is predominately black with a red and black banded (sometimes checkerboarded) belly. The red coloration extends onto the sides. Scales are shiny and smooth, creating an iridescent sheen. The tail is relatively short but sharply pointed.

While other "water snakes" of the genera Agkistrodon, Nerodia, and Regina share the same aquatic habitat, the "slick look" of the Mudsnake along with the red side-blotches and belly coloration are usually sufficient for easy identification. However, the venomous Cottonmouth may look just similar enough to the untrained eye that caution is warranted.

This species is also known as the Stinging Snake, Horn Snake, or Hoop Snake