Western Mud Snake (Lifer)

[muddoc]

Awesome stuff! We'd find mud snakes (I assume easterns) when I lived in Louisiana, always loved their red bellies. I haven't seen a pic of one in years, very cool find and thanks for sharing.

The difference between Eastern and Western spp is the number of bands. Easterns have 53 or more and Westerns have 52 or fewer. Also, the top of the bands on Westerns are rounded, versus the pointed tops on Easterns. I think the Westerns are generally brighter colored as well.

Thanks for sharing Tim that thing is a beauty. Gonna keep him?

I released it right after the photo shoot. I have enough issues with all of the Balls hatching this year, that I don't need any more. Although I would love to have one of these one day, since they are so beautiful.

Awesome find Tim. We go field herping alot and have only seen 2 around here in the wild.

As I stated, this is only the third one I have seen. While I don't think they are very rare, I think they just stay hidden a bit better.