Species Reptiles & AmphibiansRainbow Snake

Rainbow Snake

Farancia erytrogramma

RareReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Rainbow Snake (Farancia erytrogramma)

The Rainbow Snake is one of the most spectacular snakes in North America with its red, yellow, and black longitudinal stripes. Highly aquatic, it is rarely encountered despite being locally common. Specializes in eating American eels.

Habitat
Sandy streams, rivers, and cypress swamps in the Southeast
Diet
American eels and sirens
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Rainbow Snake

The best time to see a Rainbow Snake is March–May, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 153 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Rainbow Snake sightings near you

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