rainbow snake

Scientific name Farancia erytrogramma
Descriptor Palisot de Beauvois
Year of description 1802
IUCN category LC
Family Colubridae
Genus Farancia
Farancia erytrogramma Farancia erytrogramma

Introduction

Farancia erytrogramma, commonly known as rainbow snake, is a fresh water and brackish water reptile from the North America.

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Female size
    160 - 170 cm
  • Male size
    100 - 110 cm
  • Longevity
    19 year
  • Female size
    160 - 170 cm
  • Male size
    100 - 110 cm
  • Longevity
    19 year

How to recognize the rainbow snake ?

The rainbow snake measures around 100 cm. The dominant males can however reach 110 cm. This reptile is tricolore with a predominantly rouge, jaune 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 rainbow snake 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.

Although the rainbow snake is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species. 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
    10 - 50 eggs

The rainbow snake 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 rainbow snake 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

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

Interact with Fishipedia

To get in touch with our team or participate in our project.

Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

Scientific partners

  • {{name}}

    {{#street_number}}{{street_number}}, {{/street_number}}{{#route}}{{route}}{{/route}}
    {{postal_code}} {{town}}

    {{#phone}}{{phone}}{{/phone}}{{^phone}}-{{/phone}}