Farancia | |
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Farancia erytrogramma | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Dipsadidae |
Subfamily: | Heterodontinae |
Genus: |
Farancia Gray, 1842 |
Farancia is a genus of colubrid snakes. It consists of two species, one commonly referred to as the rainbow snake and the other commonly referred to as the mud snake. They are native to the eastern half of the United States.
Adult specimens of Farancia species are usually to 36-54 inches (92–137 cm) in total length (including tail). They are usually dark brown or black dorsally, with a brightly colored underside that is red or orange. Rainbow snakes exhibit red striping down their backs.
The snakes of this genus are typically semi-aquatic, living in the muddy edges of slow moving, permanent water sources.
Their diet consists primarily of amphiumas, eels, and sirens.
Breeding occurs in early spring, and eggs are laid in a burrow near the water in early summer. The clutch incubates between 8–12 weeks, and hatches in mid-autumn.