red-bellied mudsnake

Scientific name Farancia abacura
Descriptor Holbrook
Year of description 1836
IUCN category LC
Family Colubridae
Genus Farancia
Farancia abacura Farancia abacura

Introduction

Farancia abacura, commonly known as red-bellied mudsnake, is a fresh water and brackish water reptile from the North America.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Size
    90 - 120 cm
  • Longevity
    19 year
  • Size
    90 - 120 cm
  • Longevity
    19 year

How to recognize the red-bellied mudsnake ?

The red-bellied mudsnake measures around 90 cm. The dominant males can however reach 120 cm. This reptile is bicolore with a predominantly rouge and noir body.

Sexual dimorphism

The adult male is bigger than the female.

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • Sociability
    solitary
  • Way of living
    nocturnal
  • Venomous
    No
  • Diet
    predator

The red-bellied mudsnake is a reptile solitary naturally found in the vegetation. This species is carnivorous . This reptile lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.

n general, this species does not care much about other animals crossing its path. In a constant quest for dominance, the dominant males of this species cannot stand each other. The battle between two individuals can be intense and violent. It will result in the submission and sometimes even death of one of the protagonists.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat caché
  • Polygamy
    Yes
  • Clutch size
    6 - 100 eggs

The red-bellied mudsnake is a reptile ovipare qui pond sur substrat caché. In this species, the dominant males are polygamous and reproduce each season with several females. This reptile protects its eggs from nearby predators.

Harmless species

This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.

Where to find it?

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    16 - 30 °C
  • Flow
    Stagnant

Biotope presentation

The acidification of water comes from the decomposition of plants. This phenomenon changes the color of the water, which tends to turn brown. In some areas particularly rich in organic matter, the water is so dark that it is called "black water".

The red-bellied mudsnake is most often found at a depth between 0m and 1m. However, it is not impossible to find this species at other depths. This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).

This species lives near large roots, in which it can find refuge in case of danger. This type of habitat is often found not far from the banks.

Species of the same biotope

To go further

To read on the web

Sources & Contributions

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