juvenile glossy swamp snake (Liodytes rigida)

The cutest snake I've seen in weeks, this juvenile glossy swamp snake
(Liodytes rigida).
•
Glossy swamp snakes are highly aquatic and feed mostly on crayfish, they
even have specialized teeth that allows them to break the hard shell of
these crustaceans.
•
Females are viviparous, meaning they don't lay eggs, but give birth to live
young. This individual has quite a bit of growing to do as adults reach up
to two feet in total length.
•
Population estimates are unknown throughout the coastal plain of the SE
United States as this species is extremely hard to find. My supervisor
actually discovered it when looking for salamander eggs. It was found
partially buried in damp soil between two flattened pipewort plants, this
is why they are an elusive species!
•
There were a few volunteers working with us at the time, one was
uncomfortable around snakes and he eventually held this little guy. No one
can resist those googly eyes!

Sent with AquaMail for Android
https://www.mobisystems.com/aqua-mail