Iowa may be famous for its corn fields, but it is also home to a variety of bodies of water, both natural and man-made. These aquatic habitats provide the perfect environment for water snakes, and Iowa is home to four different species. The Diamond-Backed Water Snake, Copperbelly Water Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Plain-Bellied Water Snake all call this state their home. While some snakes in Iowa may be venomous, these water snakes pose no threat to humans. However, it is still important to keep a safe distance from them, as they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. In this article, Wildlife Informer explores these four types of water snakes found in Iowa, providing interesting facts and even pictures to help readers get to know these fascinating creatures.
Diamond-Backed Water Snake
Scientific Name: Nerodia rhombifer
The Diamond-Backed Water Snake, scientifically known as Nerodia rhombifer, is a threatened species found in the southeastern part of Iowa. This non-venomous water snake has a grayish, brownish, or greenish colored body with a chain-like pattern on its back. Its belly is cream or yellow in color with half-moon shapes. The Diamond-Backed Water Snake can reach lengths between 30 to 48 inches, making it a relatively large water snake species.
This water snake is active from April to October and can be found in various bodies of water, such as rivers, ponds, backwaters, sloughs, and oxbows. It is a carnivorous species that preys on a wide array of aquatic creatures, including fish, toads, frogs, and salamanders. They are also known to consume crayfish, insects, and other small mammals.
Due to its threatened status, it is illegal to collect or kill the Diamond-Backed Water Snake in Iowa. Conservation efforts are in place to protect and preserve its population.
Copperbelly Water Snake
Scientific Name: Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta
The Copperbelly Water Snake, scientifically known as Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta, is an endangered species found in wetlands with mature timber in Iowa. The loss of their habitat due to agricultural development has contributed to their endangered status. The Copperbelly Water Snake measures between 30 to 48 inches in length and has a gray to light-colored body with dark bands close to its head. These bands become more blotched as they go down its body and towards its tail. Juvenile Copperbelly Water Snakes have a light-colored belly that changes to orange as they age.
This water snake primarily feeds on amphibians such as frogs and tadpoles, but they can also consume fish, crayfish, insects, and small mammals. Despite their appearance, Copperbelly Water Snakes are not venomous and are not overly aggressive. They typically only bite when provoked or feel threatened.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore the habitats where these endangered water snakes reside.
Northern Water Snake
Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
The Northern Water Snake, scientifically known as Nerodia sipedon, is a native species found throughout Iowa, with the exception of the northwest corner of the state. These water snakes can measure between 24 to 42 inches in length and have a large round head. Their bodies are black to reddish brown in color, covered in a blotch-like pattern. The bellies of Northern Water Snakes are lighter in color, usually yellow or pink, with half-moon shapes in hues of orangish-brown.
Similar to other water snake species, Northern Water Snakes are not venomous, nor are they aggressive. However, they may bite if they feel threatened or provoked. The bite is painful, and the snake’s saliva acts as an anti-coagulant, making clotting difficult.
Conservation efforts aim to protect the habitats where Northern Water Snakes reside and educate the public on how to safely coexist with these native species.
Plain-Bellied Water Snake
Scientific Name: Nerodia erythrogaster
The Plain-Bellied Water Snake, scientifically known as Nerodia erythrogaster, is not as common in Iowa compared to other water snake species. It was previously known as the Yellow-Bellied Water Snake. There have been only two populations of the Plain-Bellied Water Snake found in Iowa, both located in the very bottom corner of the state.
This water snake has a brown body free from any markings or patterns. Its belly is yellowish-orange in color, and it can grow between 30 to 48 inches long. The Plain-Bellied Water Snake inhabits aquatic areas and primarily feeds on fish. However, it also preys on amphibians, insects, crayfish, and other small creatures found in its habitat.
Conservation efforts are crucial to monitor and protect the populations of Plain-Bellied Water Snakes in Iowa.
Threat Status of Water Snakes in Iowa
Diamond-Backed Water Snake
The Diamond-Backed Water Snake is a threatened species in Iowa. Its population has significantly declined in recent years due to habitat loss and degradation. The state has implemented measures to protect this snake, making it illegal to collect or kill them. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on preserving their habitats and raising awareness about their importance in the ecosystem.
Copperbelly Water Snake
The Copperbelly Water Snake is an endangered species in Iowa. Its population has suffered greatly from the loss of wetland habitats due to agricultural development. Conservation efforts aim to restore and protect these habitats to ensure the survival of this endangered water snake.
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake is not listed as threatened or endangered in Iowa. However, habitat loss and human disturbance can still negatively impact their populations. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring their populations and protecting their habitats from further degradation.
Plain-Bellied Water Snake
The Plain-Bellied Water Snake is not listed as threatened or endangered in Iowa. However, its populations are limited to specific regions in the state. Conservation efforts are necessary to monitor their populations and ensure the preservation of their habitats.
Conservation Efforts in Iowa
Diamond-Backed Water Snake
Conservation efforts for the Diamond-Backed Water Snake in Iowa primarily revolve around protecting their habitats. Habitat loss is a significant threat to this species, and efforts are being made to preserve and restore the wetlands and water bodies where they reside. Educating the public about the importance of these snakes and promoting coexistence is also an essential aspect of conservation efforts.
Copperbelly Water Snake
Conservation efforts for the endangered Copperbelly Water Snake focus on habitat restoration and protection. Restoring wetlands with mature timber is crucial for the survival of this species. Conservation organizations work to reduce agricultural development in these habitats and implement measures to mitigate the threats they face.
Northern Water Snake
Conservation efforts for the Northern Water Snake involve monitoring their populations and protecting their habitats. Efforts are made to raise awareness about these native snakes and their ecological significance. Encouraging responsible recreational activities and minimizing human disturbance in their habitats are also part of conservation initiatives.
Plain-Bellied Water Snake
Conservation efforts for the Plain-Bellied Water Snake in Iowa involve monitoring their populations and preserving their limited habitats. Conservation organizations collaborate with local communities to protect the areas where these snakes are found and promote responsible land use practices to prevent further habitat loss.
Similarities Among Water Snakes
Physical Characteristics
Water snakes in Iowa share similar physical characteristics. They have elongated bodies and can grow to be relatively large in size, ranging from 30 to 48 inches in length. Their bodies are covered in scales, and they have distinct patterns and colors. Despite some variations in coloration and markings, these water snake species display similar overall body shapes and features.
Prey and Diet
The water snakes in Iowa have similar diets, primarily consisting of aquatic creatures. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, amphibians (such as frogs and salamanders), crayfish, insects, and small mammals that inhabit their aquatic habitats. This similarity in diet reflects their shared role as apex predators within their respective ecosystems.
Behavior and Habitat
Water snakes in Iowa share similar behaviors and habitats. They are semi-aquatic, spending a significant amount of time in and around bodies of water, such as rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, and reservoirs. They are active during warmer months and seek shelter in aquatic vegetation or other hiding spots. These snakes are not venomous and are generally non-aggressive unless provoked or threatened.
Differences Among Water Snakes
Physical Appearance
While water snakes in Iowa share some common physical features, there are distinct differences in their appearances. Each species has its unique coloration and markings. For example, the Diamond-Backed Water Snake has a chain-like pattern on its back, while the Copperbelly Water Snake has dark bands close to its head that become more blotched further down its body. These variations allow for species identification and differentiation.
Distribution and Habitat
Water snakes in Iowa have different distributions and habitat preferences. The Diamond-Backed Water Snake is primarily found in the southeastern part of the state, while the Copperbelly Water Snake is concentrated in wetlands with mature timber. The Northern Water Snake is more widespread throughout the state, but it does not reside in the northwest corner. The Plain-Bellied Water Snake has limited populations in specific regions of Iowa.
Threat Status
The threat statuses of water snakes in Iowa vary. The Diamond-Backed Water Snake is a threatened species, while the Copperbelly Water Snake is endangered. The Northern Water Snake and Plain-Bellied Water Snake are not listed as threatened or endangered in the state. The differences in their threat statuses highlight the varying levels of conservation attention and measures required for their protection.
How to Identify Water Snakes in Iowa
Key Features
When identifying water snakes in Iowa, there are several key features to look out for. These include their overall body shape, which is long and slender, with scales covering their bodies. Water snakes typically have round heads, with distinct eyes and nostrils located on the top of their heads. Observing these physical characteristics can help differentiate water snakes from other snake species.
Distinctive Markings
Water snakes in Iowa have distinctive markings that can aid in identification. For example, the Diamond-Backed Water Snake has a chain-like pattern on its back, while the Copperbelly Water Snake has dark bands close to its head. These markings, along with variations in coloration, serve as important visual cues for species identification.
Size and Shape
Water snakes in Iowa can vary in size and shape, but they generally fall within a specific range. The average length of water snakes in Iowa is between 30 to 48 inches. Observing their size and shape, along with other key features, can help determine the species of water snake present.
Threats and Challenges Facing Water Snakes in Iowa
Loss of Habitat
One of the significant threats facing water snakes in Iowa is the loss and degradation of their habitats. Wetland destruction due to agricultural development, urbanization, and drainage projects has significantly impacted their populations. Habitat loss leads to a decrease in suitable breeding grounds and food sources, which can ultimately result in population declines.
Encounters with Humans
Water snakes in Iowa often encounter humans, especially in areas where human activity overlaps with their habitats. Encounters can lead to conflicts and potentially harmful interactions. Fear and misunderstanding of water snakes can result in snake killings or habitat destruction. Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in promoting coexistence and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Climate Change
Climate change poses additional challenges for water snakes in Iowa. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can impact their habitats, affecting water availability and food sources. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, can disrupt breeding and foraging behaviors. Adapting to these changing environmental conditions is essential for the long-term survival of water snakes in Iowa.
In conclusion, water snakes in Iowa, including the Diamond-Backed Water Snake, Copperbelly Water Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Plain-Bellied Water Snake, play important ecological roles in the state’s aquatic ecosystems. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect their habitats, raise awareness about their value, and mitigate threats. By understanding and appreciating these species, we can contribute to the conservation and preservation of Iowa’s diverse wildlife.