*The colored areas of the map above represent parishes with currently known records for the given species (Source: Jeff Boundy, LA Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries). By no means does it represent the full range of the species in the state, nor does it necessarily mean that a species can be found throughout the parish with the record. This is provided as a guide to where you might be able to find these species in the state and to aid in identification. A descriptive explanation of the range of each species can be found in the text below.
Other Common Names: Glossy Crayfish Snake
Subspecies: The Delta Swampsnake, Liodytes rigida deltae, occurs from about the Atchafalaya Basin eastward in Louisiana, whereas the Gulf Swampsnake, Liodytes rigida sinicola, occurs in the western half of the state.
Description:
Similar Species:
Species Range:
Louisiana Range: Statewide, but uncommon in the northern parts of the Florida Parishes.
Habitat:
Natural History:
Best Time and Place to Observe:
Global Conservation Status: Glossy Swampsnakes are listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Their NatureServe Global Conservation Status Rank is G5 (Secure).
Federal Conservation Status: None
Louisiana Conservation Status: Glossy Swampsnakes do not have any special status in Louisiana.
Author's Remarks: I have observed an individual or two of this species in several areas of the state, including St. Bernard Parish, Cypress Island Preserve (St. Martin Parish), Kisatchie National Forest (Natchitoches Parish), along a bayou in St. Tammany Parish, near and in Palmetto Island State Park, Beauregard Parish, and the Atchafalaya Basin south of I-10, including the same area of Attakapas WMA (St. Mary Parish) where I have found Graham's Crayfish Snakes.
