Outside of Florida, it is found from southern Georgia to eastern Texas. Uncommon, found in cypress strands, sloughs, sphagnum bogs, swamps, creeks, streams, ponds, prairies, and ditches. The glossy crayfish snake is aquatic. It is mainly nocturnal and is occasionally found crossing roads after heavy rains. It is mostly active from March-November.
Adults feed primarily on crayfish, fishes, sirens, frogs, and salamanders.
Juveniles may also feed on aquatic invertebrates such as dragonfly larvae. It is live-bearing.