Common Name:

 Northern Watersnake
Scientific Name:
Nerodia sipedon sipedon
Etymology:
Genus:

Nerodia is derived from the Greek words neros meaning "flowing" or "liquid" and dia meaning "through".
 Species:
sipedon is derived from the Greek word sepedon which means "a serpent whose bite causes mortification".
 Subspecies:
sipedon is derived from the Greek word sepedon which means "a serpent whose bite causes mortification".
Vernacular Names:
Banded watersnake, black watersnake, moccasin, mud moccasin, spotted water adder, spotted water snake, water adder, water viper.
Average Length:
24 - 42 in. (61-106.7 cm)
Virginia Record Length: 
54.1 in. (137.4 cm)
Record length:
55.3 in. (140.5 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.
           
 
       
Douthat State Park