Rainbow Snake
Farancia erytrogramma
The Rainbow Snake is a large, glossy, nonvenomous water snake marked with vivid red stripes and a yellow, red, and black belly.
Rainbow Snakes spend most of their lives in or beside rivers, springs, marshes, and muddy wetlands. They remain hidden under vegetation, in soft substrate, or beneath submerged cover, so even experienced observers rarely see one.
Florida populations have declined in parts of their range. FWC asks the public to photograph and report sightings because reliable records help biologists understand where the species still survives.
Habitat:
Rivers and Springs, Freshwater Wetlands, Lakes and Ponds
Area / Range:
Florida Panhandle, North Florida, Central Florida
Diet:
Adults specialize heavily on American eels. Younger snakes also take small fish, tadpoles, salamanders, and other aquatic prey.
Behavior:
This secretive snake swims well, burrows into soft mud, and often travels on rainy nights. It rarely bites and usually tries to escape when encountered.
Night, Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
After warm rain near spring runs, rivers, or wetlands. Sightings remain uncommon and should be photographed from a distance.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Rare and declining in parts of Florida. The South Florida form has not been confirmed for decades, and FWC requests public sighting reports.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Rainbow Snakes are nonvenomous and harmless. Never grab, relocate, or kill one. Allow it to move toward nearby cover or water.
Benefits to Property:
It is part of a healthy wetland food web and helps regulate aquatic prey. Its presence often points to connected, functioning waterways.
Property Concerns:
It does not damage lawns, ponds, plants, or structures. Road traffic and wetland alteration pose serious risks to the snake.
Fun Fact:
The pointed tail scale is harmless. Old folklore called it a stinger, but the snake cannot sting.
Wildlife Laws:
Do not harass or collect rare native snakes. Collection is prohibited on many public lands, and current FWC rules apply to possession and take. Report verified sightings to FWC.
Identification:
The smooth upper body appears black, blue-black, or violet and carries three narrow red stripes. The belly is boldly patterned red, yellow, and black. The short tail ends in a harmless pointed scale.
Credits:
Facts: Florida Museum and FWC sighting request. Images: primary and secondary.