Striped crayfish snake (Liodytes alleni)
The striped crayfish snake is a non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. GBIF holds 375 licensed U.S. records of it; it reaches our listing threshold in 2 states, most of all Florida (369) and Georgia (5). Its observation records peak in October.
The striped crayfish snake (Liodytes alleni) is a species of semiaquatic North American snake in the family Colubridae. The species 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.
From Wikipedia: Striped crayfish snake, text under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is the striped crayfish snake poisonous or venomous?
No. The striped crayfish snake is non-venomous: it belongs to the family Colubridae, not to the pit vipers or coral snakes, the only U.S. land snakes with medically dangerous venom. It may bite if handled; clean the bite like any small wound.
Which states have the striped crayfish snake?
The striped crayfish snake's U.S. record is concentrated: Florida alone holds 98% of licensed records. It is listed in 2 states in all; the next are Georgia (5).
| # | State | Records | Share of state snakes | Rank in state |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 369 | 1.8% | 13th of 49 |
| 2 | Georgia | 5 | 0.1% | 40th of 44 |
When is the striped crayfish snake seen?
Across the U.S., observation records of the striped crayfish snake run through most of the year, peaking in October with 17% of them. Winter (December to February) holds 31% of them.
How recent are the striped crayfish snake records?
The striped crayfish snake record leans on older material: only 13% of dated U.S. records come from 2017–2026, and the median record is from 1975. The oldest dated record is from 1917; the busiest year was 1975, with 72 records.
| Decade | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 2 | 0.5% |
| 1920s | 13 | 3.5% |
| 1930s | 18 | 4.9% |
| 1940s | 17 | 4.6% |
| 1950s | 56 | 15.2% |
| 1960s | 17 | 4.6% |
| 1970s | 114 | 31.0% |
| 1980s | 49 | 13.3% |
| 1990s | 11 | 3.0% |
| 2000s | 20 | 5.4% |
| 2010s | 18 | 4.9% |
| 2020s | 33 | 9.0% |
Species recorded in the same counties
Of the 15 counties where the striped crayfish snake is most recorded, 12 are also top counties for the eastern coral snake, more than for any other snake. Venomous species among its neighbors: the eastern coral snake.
| Species | Shared counties |
|---|---|
| Eastern coral snake venomous | 12 |
| Black swamp snake | 11 |
| Florida green water snake | 11 |
| Brahminy blindsnake | 10 |
| Coachwhip | 10 |
| Eastern kingsnake | 10 |
| Eastern racer | 10 |
| Florida brown snake | 10 |
Related species in the U.S.
Other members of the family Colubridae with profiles here: Western terrestrial garter snake, Common garter snake, Gopher snake, Ring-necked snake, Northern water snake and Eastern racer.
GBIF records read 2026-09-29. Listed: any license. Counted: CC0/CC BY only. How we count.