This snake is listed as Vulnerable in the State of Virginia
- Scientific Name
- Opheodrys vernalis
- Range
- Appalachians
- Also Known As
- Grass Snake, Spring Snake
- Venomous
- No
- Features
- Thin Green Body With Yellowish Belly
- Prey
- Insects
- Litter Size
- 3 - 13 Eggs per Birth
- Life Span
- 6 Years
- Length
- 11 - 20 Inches
Quick Links for Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake Description
Smooth Green Snake Appearance
Size
This snake is normally between 11 to 20 inches long, however, the record length for this snake is about 26 inches. The record found in Virginia is 22.4 inches.
Juveniles tend to be 5 inches long.
This snake’s main color is a dark brown with cream belly
Smooth Green Snake Behavior
These snakes are solitary creatures, and can be seen lying on rocks and logs on warm summer days.
During the winter these snakes hibernate where they hide in burrows, ant hills, and other dug out areas underground. This is where these snakes start hanging out in groups.
If these snakes are threatened they will flee. But when handled by humans they usually get excited and become very docile.
It is illegal in Virginia to keep Wild Snakes as pets
Range and Habitat of The Smooth Green Snake
Range
These can be found in Northwestern Virginia, however, due to encroachment, their range is getting smaller and smaller. These snakes are found throughout the Northern United States and Canada. Although there are some that are in the American Southwest such as New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah.
Habitat
They can be found in moist areas and areas near permanent water sources. As such, they can be found in meadows, marshes, stream banks, and open woods.
Human encroachment is pushing these snakes away from Virginia.
Diet
Their diet only consists of insects. They like to eat spiders, harvestmen, worms, caterpillars, snails, moths, ants, and slugs.
Reproduction and Young
Reproduction
Mating for these snakes occur in the May or August, and sometimes in the fall. Their eggs will hatch in August and early September.
Eggs and Young
