Scientific Name: Regina septemvittata
Size: 14-23 in. (35.5-58.4 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Slow to fast flowing “clean” streams, creeks, rivers, small lakes, ponds with a good source of crayfish.  May be found around or under loose rocks, retainer walls, vegetation, or on small trees, shrubs, and logs.

Colorations:
Adults:

• The dorsal is olive-brown to brown.
• The dorsal has a yellow stripe on each side the body along with 3 dark dorsal stripes.
• The dorsal stripes run along the 5th and 6th scale row with the 3rd one running along the spine.
• The ventral background is white to yellow with 4 dark stripes.
• The head is dark brown.
• The labials, chin and throat are white to light yellow.

Juveniles::

• Stronger dorsal stripes.

Characteristics:

• Slender, medium-sized species.
• Narrow head
• Dorsal scales are keeled.
• Thick head and chin scales.

Scale Counts:

• 19 scale rows at midbody and anterior
• 17 scale rows at posterior
• 118-159 ventral scales
• 47-89 subcaudals | 2 rows of subcaudals
• 1 to 2 nasal scales
• 1 loreal scale
• 2 preocular scales
• 2 postocular scales
• 1+2-3+2-4 temporal scales
• 7 supralabials
• 9-10 infralabials
• Anal plate is divided

Confused with:

• Garter Snake
• Northern Water Snake

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults:

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 316-319pp.
• Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. 294-298pp.

Photo Credits:

• Jason Poston
• Bob Ferguson