Some say the SC Aquarium is a bit boring because it features only native animals - I say that it's a wonderful resource to help everyone celebrate and learn about this fabulously diverse state!
One of my most memorable photos I snapped were of this precious group... two adult Eastern Mud Snakes (Franacia erytrogramma) and two adult Yellow Rat Snakes (E. obsoleta quadrivittata). They were all piled up on top of one another basking in the glow of their sun-lamp. I found the shot amusing with all of their heads poking out and eyes gleaming in the light. Both species are very easily identified here as the Yellow Rat Snakes have their distinctive yellow, longitudinal stripes and the Mud Snakes are beautifully adorned with their red patterning from their bellies creeping up along their sides.
Fortunately, the aquarium is rather good at supplying a life-like environment for these individuals as both species enjoy spending their lives in moist, swampy areas of the Southeast. Although members of both species can be found along the coasts as far north as North Carolina and the mud snake even has populations in Southeast Virginia!
(Channing Derry, SC)
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