Diamond-backed Water Snake, juvenile (Found March 24, Reported March 30, 2007) Montgomery County, Texas

 (Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer) Non-poisonous; temperamental; will bite if handled but a juvenile's teeth cannot break human skin (the adult bite is painful and draws blood but is otherwise inconsequential); beneficial

Photos courtesy of Milli Ann D..; text by Jerry Cates

The markings found on this species consists of dark lateral patches of fairly regular shape. In the juvenile, though the regularity of these markings is sometimes violated, this specimen shows them much as seen in the young, mature snake of the species.  As the mature snake ages, the overall background color darkens to the point that the patches become hard to see.  The lateral patches are offset by almost square spinal blotches, often quite regular as with this one, with diagonal markings connecting the upper corners of the lateral patches to the spinal squares.

The Nerodian head, particularly for the diamond-backed water snake, is covered by large scales that appear to form a helmet over the snake's crown. 

Many thanks to Milli Ann for these photos.

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