Description: 30 - 48 inches. Copperbelly Water Snakes are light brown or gray colored as a juvenile, with dark bands near the head that become blotches as you move down the body towards the tail. The belly is light colored with no markings, except for occasional scales with dark colored edges. The pattern fade as they age, eventually becoming a dark gray or black color with no markings. The belly of adult Copperbelly Water Snakes is usually orange.

Similar Species: Northern Water Snakes usually have black or red markings on the belly, and retain at least a faded pattern as adults. Diamondback Water Snakes do not have bands near the head, and retain their pattern as adults.