Eastern Mudsnake

Farancia abacura abacura — Colubridae

40–54 inches

IUCN

Least Concern

Federal (US)

None

Virginia

None

VWAP Tier

Tier IVa

Habitat

aquaticsemi-aquaticwetland

Found in Virginia

Coastal plain

How to identify

Large, 40–54 inches
Glossy black above
Red and black checkerboard or mottled belly
Stout body
Hard, pointed tail tip used to prod prey

About this species

A large, glossy black snake of the coastal plain swamps and wetlands, the eastern mudsnake is one of Virginia's most striking species. The belly is brilliantly patterned in red and black, visible when the snake rolls onto its back in a defensive display. They are specialized predators of amphiumas (aquatic salamanders) and large sirens.

Often confused with

Eastern Ratsnake

Ratsnakes have a white chin and lack the vivid red belly; mudsnakes are more aquatic and have a hard tail tip

North American Racer

Racers are slender with a white or yellow belly; mudsnakes are heavier with a striking red and black belly

Did you know

"Eastern mudsnakes use their hard, spine-like tail tip to prod and control the large, eel-like amphiumas they eat — which can themselves exceed two feet in length."

Sightings & citizen science

Help document Virginia wildlife by logging your sightings on iNaturalist. Every observation builds the conservation data that researchers and rehabbers depend on.

View Eastern Mudsnake observations on iNaturalist ↗

Found one injured?

If you've found an injured or displaced Eastern Mudsnake in Virginia, our triage guide walks you through what to do.

Triage guide →