Polk County’s Most Wanted – Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
Have you seen a Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)?
Conserving Carolina and botanist/ecologist David Campbell need your help in locating this month’s “Polk County’s Most Wanted—Animal,” Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata). Polk County’s Most Wanted is a community science initiative with a new challenge each month, in which you can expand the scientific understanding of the flora and fauna of Polk County.
Where should I look for the Queen Snake?
Queen Snakes are found throughout the mountains and Piedmont of the eastern United States. They inhabit clean, flowing, rocky streams and small rivers where they can be found basking on rocks, taking refuge under rocks along the water’s edge, or in low tree limbs overhang the water. They may, however, be found around lakes or other aquatic habitats too. Queen Snakes are most active during the daytime but may move about at night, especially during hot weather. Their diet consists primarily of crayfish, particularly soft, newly molted crayfish. Mating occurs in the spring and females give birth to 5 – 23 live offspring in the late summer, July-September.
How do I identify a Queen Snake?
Queen Snakes are medium-sized watersnakes ranging in size from 15 – 24 inches. They are slender, gray or olive-brown with one light stripe on each side of their body. Occasionally, this species also has three faint dark stripes running down the length of the back. Additionally, starting at the chin, the belly is light in color, white or yellowish. This light coloration is divided by two brown stripes that run the length of the belly. The scales are keeled and give the snakes a rough appearance.
What can you do?
If you think that you have seen a Queen Snake in Polk County, please contact Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org and, if possible, provide a clear image for evaluation.
Queen Snakes are not protected in most of their range, but observations suggest that this species may have declined in many areas. Clean, rocky streams and rivers with an abundance of crayfish is critical for this species survival.
For More Information
Visit Conserving Carolina’s website, conservingcarolina.org/polk-most-wanted, for more information about “Polk County’s Most Wanted” and to download and print a “Pocket Guide” with all of the “Most Wanted” plants, animals, and habitats that you can be on the lookout for!
Also, a culmination of David Campbell’s seven years in the field documenting the rare and significant flora and fauna in Polk County have been compiled in a book titled, “An Inventory of the Significant Natural Areas of Polk County, North Carolina.” The document can be downloaded for free on Conserving Carolina’s website at conservingcarolina.org/polk-county-inventory, or a hard copy can be purchased, at cost, on Amazon.
Conserving Carolina, your local land trust, is dedicated to protecting land and water, promoting good stewardship, and creating opportunities for people to enjoy nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.