The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) is asking residents and visitors to track down one of the state’s rarest and most visually impressive reptiles: the rainbow snake.
The non-venomous species known scientifically as Fancia Eristgramma is semi-aquatic and can grow 3-4 feet long. The rainbow black or purple blue body is marked with three bold red stripes running along its back, but its jaw and lip scales are yellow with purple spots, making it almost impossible to confuse it with other Florida snakes.
Although harmless to humans, rainbow snakes play an important ecological role. They eat mostly American eels. American eels are species, like the snake itself, whose numbers are decreasing in Florida waters. Beyond habitat loss, researchers warn that fungal diseases have contributed to a decline in rainbow snake populations in other states, raising concerns about long-term survival.
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Kevin Enge, a research scientist at FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, said public involvement is important to learn more about elusive reptiles. “We need help from Floridians and visitors and need to have a better understanding of where the rainbow snakes still occur in the state,” Enge said. “All sighting reports provide valuable data on current distribution and help assess the health of Florida species.”
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The FWC encourages anyone who spots rainbow snakes to take photos and share them through the committee’s reporting system. By submitting a sighting, authorities say the public can play a direct role in the conservation of this unique species.
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For more information or reporting sightings, Floridians can visit FWC’s Wildlife Reporting Page or follow the latest channels.
