This Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura abacura) was photographed eating a Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) in Polk County, FL.
The Eastern mudsnake is a large nonvenomous aquatic snake that specializes in feeding on aquatic salamanders like Amphiumas and Sirens. Juvenile mudsnakes are known to feed on tadpoles and salamander larvae. Mudsnakes are common in wetlands and vegetated water bodies throughout the state of Florida, though their nocturnal and aquatic habits make them infrequently seen. Herpers sometimes encounter them crossing roads at night.
Mudsnake populations are undoubtedly reduced from historic levels due to habitat alteration and fragmentation. Destruction of wetlands for development, high traffic roads, and the spraying and removal of the aquatic vegetation which is essential to all aquatic reptiles and amphibians present an ever-increasing threat to mudsnakes in Florida.
From Phys.org: "The dorsal scales of the ball python (Python regius) might offer a new physical solution for bacterial resistance. Analysis of the structure and composition of these scales has revealed sharp, regularly spaced microprotrusions—or, very tiny spikes—along the surface. The researchers posited that these spikes might act as protection against bacterial infections based on their size.
To determine whether snake scale topographies contributed to microbial defense, the team tested whether the scales effectively suppressed E. coli and S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation.
The team measured bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the snake scales and compared it to adhesion and biofilm formation on smooth polystyrene after 48 hours at 37°C. To ensure that effects were due to the physical features of the scales, they also tested ground, sterilized python skin in bacterial cultures."
Excited to announce that one of our Jacksonville volunteers will go live on WhatNot for a special fundraiser benefiting USARK-FL!
During the live stream, 50% of proceeds will go straight to USARK-FL to support their ongoing work protecting the rights of responsible reptile keepers in Florida — fighting for fair laws, education, and conservation efforts that benefit our entire community.
This is your chance to:
Tune into an awesome live session with Stuffed animals and some reptile vibes
Contribute to a great cause while enjoying the stream
Help ensure reptile keepers' voices are heard!
Live details: Date & Time: Saturday, March 21 starting at 1PM EDT Hosted by: Anslee | pageantsandpythons
Download/join WhatNot, follow [pageantsandpythons], and hop in live. Share this with your reptile friends — every bit of support counts!
Scientific American reports: "When merrymakers gather in the streets of Dublin for Ireland’s annual National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one green-clad group won’t be there: snakes.
Saint Patrick, a fifth-century missionary from Roman Britain, is primarily known for spreading Christianity within Ireland. His other claim to folklore fame, however, comes from his supposed role as an exterminator—he’s said to have chased all the snakes out of Ireland with an ornate shepherd’s crook known as a crozier.
A haven for those with ophidiophobia, Ireland has zero native snake species. This snake-free status predates Saint Patrick, though. In fact, the fossil record suggests the island has never hosted wild serpents—or many other reptiles, for that matter.
“We really only have two reptiles,” says Collie Ennis, science officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland and biodiversity officer at Trinity College Dublin. “We’ve got one native land reptile—that’s the common lizard.... We also have an introduced reptile in Ireland called the slow worm, and it’s a type of legless lizard.”
Most scientists agree that the most recent ice age, which ended approximately 11,700 years ago, is the reason for Ireland’s lack of reptile diversity. By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.
Even today, Ireland is simply too cold for most snakes. Because reptiles cannot warm themselves internally like mammals can, they tend to prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 38 degrees Celsius) and can be rendered immobile or perish from lengthy cold spells. Ireland’s native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the introduced slow worm (Anguis fragilis) are both much hardier and able to hibernate through the winter."
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) is a very common, but secretive venomous snake that is found throughout most of Florida. It is our only native Elapid snake (not a viper). Like its Elapid cousins the cobras and mambas, the Coral snake has neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. Coral snakes are nonaggressive and prefer to quickly escape to avoid a threat.
Eastern coral snakes feed mostly on lizards and other snakes. Though they have specialized dietary requirements, these snakes are occassionally kept under human care, especially for venom research and production. Florida has some of the foremost venom labs in the world. Maintaining the legal ability to keep venomous reptiles, especially for the private sector, is of the utmost importance to the production of antivenin and prevention of human fatalities from snake bite. Keeping venomous snakes in Florida requires a venomous reptile license from FWC.
Photo of hatchling Eastern coral snake by Daniel Parker
This small venomous snake is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Though it is shaped like a viper, it is a member of the family Elapidae. Like its elapid brethren the cobras and coral snakes, this Death adder species has a powerful neurotoxic venom that allows it to quickly subdue its prey, which is hunted from an ambush position. Its prey may include small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.
Death adders are quick to strike in defense and their bite may cause death in humans. As with most snake bites, the majority of Death adder bites are caused by people intentionally handling or molesting the snakes.
This species may do very well under human care, with some individuals living over 15 years. However, as a highly dangerous animal, it should be kept only by experienced keepers. FWC requires a Venomous Reptile license with an authorization for the family Elapidae to legally possess this species.
Photo by Daniel Parker
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
USARK Florida
This Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura abacura) was photographed eating a Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) in Polk County, FL.
The Eastern mudsnake is a large nonvenomous aquatic snake that specializes in feeding on aquatic salamanders like Amphiumas and Sirens. Juvenile mudsnakes are known to feed on tadpoles and salamander larvae. Mudsnakes are common in wetlands and vegetated water bodies throughout the state of Florida, though their nocturnal and aquatic habits make them infrequently seen. Herpers sometimes encounter them crossing roads at night.
Mudsnake populations are undoubtedly reduced from historic levels due to habitat alteration and fragmentation. Destruction of wetlands for development, high traffic roads, and the spraying and removal of the aquatic vegetation which is essential to all aquatic reptiles and amphibians present an ever-increasing threat to mudsnakes in Florida.
Photo by Daniel Parker
#mudsnake #reptiles #floridawildlife #conservation
1 week ago | [YT] | 17
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Python Skin Structure Wards Off Bacteria
From Phys.org:
"The dorsal scales of the ball python (Python regius) might offer a new physical solution for bacterial resistance. Analysis of the structure and composition of these scales has revealed sharp, regularly spaced microprotrusions—or, very tiny spikes—along the surface. The researchers posited that these spikes might act as protection against bacterial infections based on their size.
To determine whether snake scale topographies contributed to microbial defense, the team tested whether the scales effectively suppressed E. coli and S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation.
The team measured bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the snake scales and compared it to adhesion and biofilm formation on smooth polystyrene after 48 hours at 37°C. To ensure that effects were due to the physical features of the scales, they also tested ground, sterilized python skin in bacterial cultures."
Read full article here:
phys.org/news/2026-03-python-scales-host-microstru…
#python #ballpython #snakessavelives #snakesofig #snakes
1 week ago | [YT] | 10
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USARK Florida
Excited to announce that one of our Jacksonville volunteers will go live on WhatNot for a special fundraiser benefiting USARK-FL!
During the live stream, 50% of proceeds will go straight to USARK-FL to support their ongoing work protecting the rights of responsible reptile keepers in Florida — fighting for fair laws, education, and conservation efforts that benefit our entire community.
This is your chance to:
Tune into an awesome live session with Stuffed animals and some reptile vibes
Contribute to a great cause while enjoying the stream
Help ensure reptile keepers' voices are heard!
Live details:
Date & Time: Saturday, March 21 starting at 1PM EDT
Hosted by: Anslee | pageantsandpythons
Download/join WhatNot, follow [pageantsandpythons], and hop in live. Share this with your reptile friends — every bit of support counts!
Stream link:
www.whatnot.com/live/20d8b5c2-1924-46b8-b41f-158a0…
Learn more about USARK-FL: usarkfl.wildapricot.org/
Let's rally together for reptile rights in FL!
#USARKFL #ReptileKeepers #WhatNotLive #FloridaReptiles #Advocacy
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Scientific American reports:
"When merrymakers gather in the streets of Dublin for Ireland’s annual National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one green-clad group won’t be there: snakes.
Saint Patrick, a fifth-century missionary from Roman Britain, is primarily known for spreading Christianity within Ireland. His other claim to folklore fame, however, comes from his supposed role as an exterminator—he’s said to have chased all the snakes out of Ireland with an ornate shepherd’s crook known as a crozier.
A haven for those with ophidiophobia, Ireland has zero native snake species. This snake-free status predates Saint Patrick, though. In fact, the fossil record suggests the island has never hosted wild serpents—or many other reptiles, for that matter.
“We really only have two reptiles,” says Collie Ennis, science officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland and biodiversity officer at Trinity College Dublin. “We’ve got one native land reptile—that’s the common lizard.... We also have an introduced reptile in Ireland called the slow worm, and it’s a type of legless lizard.”
Most scientists agree that the most recent ice age, which ended approximately 11,700 years ago, is the reason for Ireland’s lack of reptile diversity. By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.
Even today, Ireland is simply too cold for most snakes. Because reptiles cannot warm themselves internally like mammals can, they tend to prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 38 degrees Celsius) and can be rendered immobile or perish from lengthy cold spells. Ireland’s native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the introduced slow worm (Anguis fragilis) are both much hardier and able to hibernate through the winter."
Read full article here:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-reason…
#stpatricksday☘️ #snakes #ireland #reptilesofinstagram
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 13
View 2 replies
USARK Florida
USARK FL Auction on Palmstreet Tonight!
Protect your freedom to keep reptiles!
We will be coming to you LIVE on Palmstreet from Repticon Kissimmee @repticonreptileshows
Mar 7, 7PM EST ✨ Don’t miss out!
palmstreet.app/l/BZvkCx4H
We expect to have numerous awesome reptiles as well as a C Serpents @cserpents 24" Incubator.
Thanks so much for your support!
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 9
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USARK Florida
The auction at Repticon Tampa raised over $7000!
Thanks so much to our awesome volunteers and everyone who donated to help make this event a success!
1 month ago | [YT] | 22
View 1 reply
USARK Florida
It's almost here!
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Feb 21, 2026 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
1 month ago | [YT] | 10
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius) is a very common, but secretive venomous snake that is found throughout most of Florida. It is our only native Elapid snake (not a viper). Like its Elapid cousins the cobras and mambas, the Coral snake has neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system. Coral snakes are nonaggressive and prefer to quickly escape to avoid a threat.
Eastern coral snakes feed mostly on lizards and other snakes. Though they have specialized dietary requirements, these snakes are occassionally kept under human care, especially for venom research and production. Florida has some of the foremost venom labs in the world. Maintaining the legal ability to keep venomous reptiles, especially for the private sector, is of the utmost importance to the production of antivenin and prevention of human fatalities from snake bite. Keeping venomous snakes in Florida requires a venomous reptile license from FWC.
Photo of hatchling Eastern coral snake by Daniel Parker
#snakes #venomous #coralsnake #amazinganimals
1 month ago | [YT] | 10
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Rough-Scaled Death Adder
(Acanthophis rugosus)
This small venomous snake is native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Though it is shaped like a viper, it is a member of the family Elapidae. Like its elapid brethren the cobras and coral snakes, this Death adder species has a powerful neurotoxic venom that allows it to quickly subdue its prey, which is hunted from an ambush position. Its prey may include small mammals, birds, lizards, and frogs.
Death adders are quick to strike in defense and their bite may cause death in humans. As with most snake bites, the majority of Death adder bites are caused by people intentionally handling or molesting the snakes.
This species may do very well under human care, with some individuals living over 15 years. However, as a highly dangerous animal, it should be kept only by experienced keepers. FWC requires a Venomous Reptile license with an authorization for the family Elapidae to legally possess this species.
Photo by Daniel Parker
Repticon Tampa will be hosting a benefit auction for USARK FL this Saturday Feb 21, 2026 at 4pm right after the show. We look forward to seeing you there!
#snakes #venomous #deathadder #amazinganimals
1 month ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Auction to benefit USARK FL
Saturday Feb 21, 2026 4pm
at Repticon Tampa
@repticonreptileshows
repticon.com/florida/tampa/
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 US-301
Tampa, FL 33610
We need volunteers for Saturday starting at 10am. Volunteers will get free admission into Repticon Tampa.
Please email info@usarkfl.net to volunteer or donate auction items. Thank you so much!
1 month ago | [YT] | 11
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