Two rows of black spots between back and side stripes. Long tail about one-third body length. Lowland forests, in vegetation along banks of sloughs, cypress-tupelo swamps, and other similar bodies of water. A quick, wary snake that moves to water, shoreline vegetation, or holes in the soil when disturbed. Mates in April or May and gives birth to 10-15 young between July and October.
Amphibians make up most of the diet, but fish and invertebrates also eaten.
Predators include wading birds, mammals, and other snakes. Known only from southeastern counties. Threats include drainage of swamplands and loss of aquatic and riparian vegetation.