Terrestrial movements of the red-bellied mudsnake (Farancia abacura) and rainbow snake (F. erytrogramma)

Download
(PDF; 875064)
Cite
Feedback
  • Authors: Steen, David A.; Stevenson, Dirk J.; Beane, Jeffrey C.; Willson, John D.; Aresco, Matthew J.; Godwin, James C.; Graham, Sean P.; Smith, Lora L.; Howze, Jennifer M.; Rudolph, D. Craig; Pierce, Josh B.; Lee, James R.; Gregory, Beau B.; Jensen, John; Stiles, Sierra H.; Stiles, James A.; Nazdrowicz, Nathan H.; Guyer, Craig
  • Publication Year: 2013
  • Publication Series: Scientific Journal (JRNL)
  • Source: Herpetological Review 44(2): 208-213

Abstract

Red-bellied Mudsnakes (Farancia abacura; Fig. 1A) and Rainbow Snakes (Farancia erytrogramma; Fig. 1B) are relatively large species with geographic distributions restricted to the southeastern United States. Both species are highly associated with aquatic habitats, to the extent that at least one, the Red-bellied Mudsnake, has been described as "fully aquatic" (Lutterschmidt et al. 2006). Adults of both species have highly specialized diets: Red-bellied Mudsnakes feed primarily on aquatic, elongate, eel-like salamanders (Sirens [Siren spp., Pseudobranchus spp.] and Amphiumas [Amphiuma spp.]), while adult Rainbow Snakes feed almost exclusively on a stream-dwelling catadromous fish, the American Eel (Anguillla rostrata; Neill 1964).

  • Citation: Steen, David A.; Stevenson, Dirk J.; Beane, Jeffrey C.; Willson, John D.; Aresco, Matthew J.; Godwin, James C.; Graham, Sean P.; Smith, Lora L.; Howze, Jennifer M.; Rudolph, D. Craig; Pierce, Josh B.; Lee, James R.; Gregory, Beau B.; Jensen, John; Stiles, Sierra H.; Stiles, James A.; Nazdrowicz, Nathan H.; Guyer, Craig. 2013. Terrestrial movements of the red-bellied mudsnake (Farancia abacura) and rainbow snake (F. erytrogramma). Herpetological Review 44(2): 208-213.
  • Keywords: Red-bellied Mudsnake, Farancia abacura, Rainbow Snake, Farancia erytrogramma, terrestrial movements, habitat
  • Posted Date: August 7, 2013
  • Modified Date: May 21, 2014

    • Print Publications Are No Longer Available

    In an ongoing effort to be fiscally responsible, the Southern Research Station (SRS) will no longer produce and distribute hard copies of our publications. Many SRS publications are available at cost via the Government Printing Office (GPO). Electronic versions of publications may be downloaded, printed, and distributed.

    Publication Notes

    • This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.
    • Our online publications are scanned and captured using Adobe Acrobat. During the capture process some typographical errors may occur. Please contact the SRS webmaster if you notice any errors which make this publication unusable.
    • To view this article, download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.