Species Reptiles & AmphibiansBlack Swamp Snake

Black Swamp Snake

Seminatrix pygaea

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Black Swamp Snake (Seminatrix pygaea)

The Black Swamp Snake is a small, shiny black aquatic snake with a bright red belly. Highly aquatic and secretive, it hides in thick aquatic vegetation. One of the few snakes that specializes in eating sirens.

Habitat
Heavily vegetated swamps, ponds, and ditches
Diet
Salamanders, sirens, and small fish
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Black Swamp Snake

The best time to see a Black Swamp Snake is January–May, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 411 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Black Swamp Snake sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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