User:MauraWen/sandbox scarlet snake

The striped crayfish snake (Liodytes alleni) is a species of semiaquatic North American snake that derives its common name from its principal prey, crayfish. This snake is also called Allen's snake, the striped swamp snake, the striped swampsnake, or simply the swamp snake. It is endemic to peninsular Florida. Although rarely seen due to its secretive behavior, it can be found in large numbers in wet areas, with densities approaching 1,300 snakes per hectare (525 snakes per acre).

Etymology
The specific name, alleni, is in honor of zoologist Joel Asaph Allen, who collected the type specimen.

Description
The striped crayfish snake is of "small medium" size, 33 - 50 cm in total length (including tail), with a heavy body. The stripes which contribute to its common name are indistinct and located on the dark dorsal side. The ventral side is yellow with some dark spots. The dorsal scales, which are arranged in 19 rows at midbody, are smooth on the body, with some keeled scales in the anal region. There is a clear sexual dimorphism with the females being the larger sex.

Natural habitat
The striped crayfish snake is a semiaquatic snake and is regularly found in swamps and open wetlands with heavy plant growth, cypress swamps, and roadside ditches. The species is rarely seen around streams or rivers. The striped crayfish snake is primarily found in Florida east of the central panhandle and southeastern Georgia. The northern range limit is near the Florida-Georgia border.

Behavior and diet
Besides crayfish, it also eats shrimp and dragonfly larvae.

Reproduction
It is a live-bearer, and the females produce six or more young.