Nerodia rhombifer
Diamondback watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer).
Cherry Creek & The Canadian River; Norman, Oklahoma.
07 July 2007.
Nikon D70s.
The diamondback watersnake is “The Tank” of Oklahoman watersnakes. A non-venomous, large and robust animal, the diamondback watersnake is genetically a close-relative to the Brown watersnake (Nerodia taxispilota) found in Florida and the North American southeast region. Interestingly, however, their temperament is more akin to that of the Florida green watersnake (Nerodia floridana). That is to say, they are “aggressively defensive”. Of course, any given watersnake would much rather take to the water to hide and escape, rather than put up a fight – - but, when they are caught, the diamondback watersnakes can put up one hell of a fight. They are tough and strong.
Their thick torsos, massive heads, deep red eyes, and unfortunate common name lead many to believe these snakes are venomous and are thus a threat. But they are neither cottonmouths nor diamondback rattlesnakes. They are simply non-venomous watersnakes beautifully adapted to their environment, trying to scratch out a living in an often-difficult world to live in.
These are perhaps my favorite of snakes in the Oklahoma region.
Janson,
http://floridana.typepad.com
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J.K. York
your last line “trying to scratch out a living in an often-difficult world to live in.” is transcendent. i enjoy reading your taxonomy as it educates without being too heady. your capture of this big guy is almost metaphorical. he is caught in phase transition, half in and half out of the water. beautiful markings. well done.
jsjones replied
Thanks J.K. and everybody for your comments. This truly was a strong, robust and beautiful individual. Can’t help but feel inspired when I get to spend some time with such a magnificent animal.
Janson.
Tracey Bransfield
He looks very strong, and ready to go! great colors in this shot…
Jocelyn Hyers
amazing capture … such raw life portrayed …
Steve Bullock
Wow! Tank alright! They look amazing!
Bandicoot
That is one solid snake. The term “aggressively defensive” is one I use a fair bit when I am on a rescue, to try and dispel the fear that people have of snakes seeking them out and “chasing”.
Sharon Wormleaton
Wow..this is amazing. Glad it was you in close proximity and not me…it does look rather mean
Anne Smyth
Beautiful creature and well captured.
kcranmer
Wow that snake is huge…great shot!
Jennifer Vickers
Holy cow! Snakes freak me out but what an amazing shot.
ECGardner
Every time I see a photo of one of these guys I think about you and your friend getting torn to bits by them when you were kids… Guess that’s why the bites really don’t faze you now, lol. They are awesome-looking snakes with a definite aura of power to them, much like the Nerodia floridanas. They’ve got attitude and and the strength to back it up (unlike say, racers who have lots of attitude but only very tiny teeth with which to back it up). An impressive-looking creature for sure…
Looking at this one, it occurs to me that I may have misidentified two N. rhombifers as a banded and a yellowbelly… Er… I guess I should stick to identifying Florida snakes, lol.
Stewart Macdonald
Tank indeed!
Stewart
dinghysailor1
fantastic capture and a fascinating read! love the swirling setting too – perfect!
Leanna Lomanski
I wouldn’t mess with him…................another great capture.
Ginger Barritt
I love snakes…and have no idea why…..I did not know about this one….what a gorgeous snake…
jsjones replied
They are fantastic, Ginger. I was thrilled to find this individual. I didn’t have much time to try to track one down (we were moving from Florida to Alaska). Glad this big individual showed up!
Hope all is well.
Sassafras
I’m with Ginger. I love them also…and I don’t know why… when so many fear/hate them.
I guess it’s their mystique and otherness that draws me closer to take a look.
I particularly love the markings on this one, as well as his former skin nearby. Good shot!
Peace,
sassi
jsjones replied
I really should dig in one weekend and truly represent the snakes! I miss photographing them still, but am happy to have had all these wonderful moments. Splendid animals, the snakes.
- Janson, with thanks.