Farancia abacura, commonly known as the Red-bellied Mudsnake, is a non-venomous snake native to the southeastern United States. It thrives in wetland habitats, often found near slow-moving streams, marshes, and swamps. This species is known for its glossy black back and striking red belly. It has a unique feeding behavior, primarily preying on eels and amphibians, and employs a distinctive tail-coiling technique to subdue its prey. The mudsnake plays a vital role in controlling amphibian populations in its ecosystem.

The Farancia abacura, commonly known as the Eastern Mudsnake, is native to the southeastern United States. Its geographical distribution extends across the coastal plain from eastern Texas and southern Arkansas to southeastern Virginia, including the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Eastern Mudsnakes are typically found in aquatic environments such as swamps, marshes, and slow-moving streams and rivers. These habitats are characterized by warm, humid climates with abundant water and dense vegetation.

The species has a specialized ecological niche, primarily preying on aquatic amphibians like sirens and amphiumas. It is adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle, spending much of its time in or near water bodies, where it utilizes its smooth, shiny scales to move gracefully through the water.