Genus · Colubridae
Types of queensnakes
2 species make up the genus Regina, the snakes commonly called queensnakes. None are considered dangerous to humans.
About crayfish snakes
Small, secretive water snakes of the American Southeast that feed almost entirely on crayfish.
Regina is a small genus of nonvenomous, semiaquatic snakes in the family Colubridae, the largest and most diverse snake family. They belong to the water snake and garter snake group (the natricine snakes), which means they are close relatives of the common water snakes of the genus Nerodia and the garter snakes of the genus Thamnophis. The two species commonly placed here are the Queensnake (Regina septemvittata) and Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii), both modest, slender snakes that rarely exceed about 3 feet in length.
These snakes live in the central and eastern United States, where they stay close to clean, flowing or standing freshwater such as rocky streams, rivers, marshes, and slow backwaters. They are highly specialized eaters. The Queensnake feeds mostly on freshly molted, soft-shelled crayfish, which is why it depends on healthy waterways and is sensitive to pollution. Graham's Crayfish Snake also targets crayfish and other small aquatic prey. In general appearance, members are brownish to grayish with light belly stripes or lateral stripes, keeled scales that give the body a rough texture, and a habit of basking on branches over water before dropping in when disturbed.
Regina snakes are harmless to people. They are nonvenomous and not dangerous, relying on escape and, if grabbed, on musking and thrashing rather than a meaningful bite. They give birth to live young rather than laying eggs, typical of the natricine group, and are shy, fast to flee into water. As with any wild animal, the responsible approach is to observe and not handle. If anyone is ever bitten by an unidentified snake and there is uncertainty, seek medical guidance promptly through local emergency services or US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Regina belongs to the Colubridae family (Colubrids). The largest snake family, and the one most snakes you meet belong to. Typically round pupils, a head only slightly wider than the neck, and no heat-sensing facial pit or rattle. Scales may be smooth and glossy or keeled and matte depending on the species.
Danger: Almost all colubrids are harmless. A small number are rear-fanged with medically significant venom, the boomslang and the twig (vine) snakes of Africa being the dangerous exceptions. Most colubrids will flee or bluff rather than bite.
All species (2)
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