They are opportunistic killers going for a wide range of rodents regardless of their size. Common in states such as Texas and Oklahoma, nonvenomous Plain-bellied Water Snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster) are found in various colors from dark olive to all-black. The Night Snake is a small snake, measuring between 12-26 inches long with a light brown, beige, or light grey body. Most groups are made out of members of the same family as well as by unrelated snakes. These nonvenomous snakes live in Central America, Texas, and along the Gulf Coast. They have a gray-brown body with a white underbelly. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith. However, stripes are absent in some individuals. Collins. Youll discover how to co-exist with wild snakes, what to do if you meet one, and who to contact for emergency advice, snake removal, and additional information. Positive Theme. However, as hatchlings or juveniles they can actually be more grey and brown in color and patterning. Scientific name: Coluber constrictor constrictor. These snakes make their way to dryland to lay eggs after reaching sexual maturity. They are usually near permanent or almost permanent water areas, such as dunes, shallow waters, and marshlands. This species grows to just over 40 inches as an adult, on average. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. However, most adult snakes arent known for constricting their prey as they prefer to swallow it alive. Young members of the genus have a gray body with red and light color markings looking almost like a completely different species. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle. The Spotted Harlequin Snake is very colorful, although its colors and patterns may vary depending on where it lives. It is a new world coral snake of medium size with a slender body. Tiger rats are one of the largest pet snakes in North and South America and reach an average length of nearly ten feet. They are listed as a threatened species by the state of Florida and at the national level by the U.S. Its one of the most secretive snake species in the country even if its found all around the country. Most adult Common Gartersnakes are about 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) in total length. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Western Brown Snake is found throughout most of the country. Still have questions about snakes or identifications? Head parietal spots touch each other No (1) No spots (1) Yes (1) Head pit between nostril and eye No (146) Yes (17) Head postocular scale number usually 1 (1) 2 (1) They live in a variety of environments, preferring shrubby fields and grassy areas. Adults and juveniles of this species are often found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita) Non-venomous. These snakes are nonvenomous and eat worms, lizards, amphibians, and minnows. The Eastern Glossy Swampsnake is 14-24 inches long, and has a rather dull appearance at first glance. This guide is only for Pennsylvania snake identification. This is a shiny black snake with a black body and red and black underside coloration. Pine snakes live in underground communal nests. The Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake is a small snake with a grey, blue-grey, grey-brown, or reddish-brown body. However, there are listed as threatened and protected in certain states given it has already disappeared from areas such as West Virginia. Two rows of small dark spots run down the snakes back, and more small dark dots cover its body. Their diet depends on what is available in the snakes region, but they commonly eat salamanders, frogs, slugs, earthworms, and juvenile snakes and lizards. Common name:Malabar pit viper, Malabar rock pit viper, rock viper. Common name:eastern indigo snake, indigo, blue indigo snake, black snake, blue gopher snake, and blue bull snake. King snakes eat other snakes, even venomous ones. Though in some states in the US you will need a permit in order to keep one as a pet. It has a broad, triangular-shaped head with a dark line behind each of the snakes eyes. These snakes have a red tail, belly, and head with a dark blue to black on their backs with two large blue to white stripes on their flanks. Bright green body with yellow or off-white belly. Most are located under dense vegetation as well. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Virtually all bites occur when the snakes are intentionally molested. The all black body means it can often be confused with the Black Racers. They sometimes live temporarily in woodlands and grasslands. There are three venomous species in Pennsylvania. They see us as predators, not prey. Commonly these snakes have brownish, tan, cream, or pinkish bodies with dark brown or reddish-brown spots spaced out along their backs. However, the species is well-adapted to live in areas with scarce water supplies such as deserts. At times people mistake these snakes for the dangerous green mamba and tragically kill them. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. The underbelly of the snake is of a contrasting light color, typically white, off-white . Knowing whether youre facing a harmless snake like the Eastern Milk Snake, or a venomous snake like the Eastern Copperhead, can help you avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Its best to step away from Black Kingsnakes when seeing them out in nature. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? 16 Types of Birds With Blue Feet (with Pictures), 46 Birds With Blue Heads (Pictures and Distribution), 54 Common Black Birds You May See (with Pictures), 41 Common White Birds You May See (with Pictures). Snakes often hide in tall grass or under wood, rocks, and debris. Lets take a closer look at 18 snakes with dots. Black racers are slender snakes that are of uniform dull black color (except for their white chins). Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. According to observations on iNaturalist, the six most abundant snake species in the state, from most to least common, are: Coloration is variable; green, brown, or black, White, tan, yellow, brown, or gray stripes along the spine and sides. Black snakes are found throughout the US, particularly in states such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona. If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum. Often found near sources of water and human homes, Amphibians, earthworms, rodents, birds, and fish. Black snakes are largely nonvenomous. The species has also been shown to seek refuge on dry land over periods of high drought where it needs to seek shelter until normal water levels return. University of Oklahoma Press, 336 pp. There are many different colors of spotted house snakes. Learn more. Typically gray, tan, various shades of brown, or red, Large dark brown or reddish-brown blotches outlined in black run down the back and sides, Various habitats, including forests, farmland, rocky hillsides, and urban areas, Generalists; rodents, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds, and bird eggs. Usually Blace Rat Snakes have spots on the otherwise light colored belly. This snake can sometimes be black as a juvenile as well. Eastern Ratsnakes can be identified as almost entirely black bodies. Commonly seen in all-black coloring, this snake can also be found in gray and dark gray with markings coloring. Some may be known for vibrating their tails and for becoming potentially aggressive, but they rarely bite. Scientific name: Tantilla rubra. It lives here as there are high chances of finding rodents and other prey here. This is one of the few times this snake is seen at the surface as it tends to go even deeper underground when temperatures drop to avoid frozen surface soils. Snakes of this genus are known for an almost uniform dark red color. Snakes of these species are known for mostly eating earthworms which is why they spend most of their lives in damp soil with high chances of finding earthworms. Description: Long, dark-colored constrictor that can vary in coloration. They vary in color but are typically very dark brown/olive colored. The following snake species are known for either being mainly black and green or for being multicolored while still dominantly black and green. These snakes are sometimes seen together, but only in cold climates when they need to share a den to stay warm. They have a triangular-shaped head with needle-like fangs at the front of their jaw. The blue-lipped sea krait or the common sea krait is a venomous sea snake, found in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. Yellowish, reddish, gray, or brown body with two rows of dark dorsal spots that sometimes merge. They are appropriately named Racers as they move incredibly quick! This is a large snake that can grow to 152cm from snout to vent. It looks for means of quick escape. However, they have a few defense mechanisms they can use against people and other predators. Like the black rat snake, it is mostly black, but it has smooth scales. Grandma's chicken snake. A long black, blue, or brown snake with a sharp, pointed snout. Its more efficient to spend your time focusing on which species youre most likely to run into. Like their name suggests, these snakes eat slugs, snails, and earthworms. A long-tailed brown snake with a lighter brown vertical stripe. The same goes for snake eggs. These snakes need good communication between their natural habitats and areas covered with leaves to freely move around. Snakes near limestone tend to be light gray to blue in color, while those at higher altitudes have darker coloration. Snakes of this genus can be gray, gray-blue, or even brown. Light brown or off-white belly with tiny black spots along each side. These snakes feature a pattern of three stripes, which include blue and yellow stripes on a red body with black spots on the striped pattern. 2. A snakes venom is primarily used to subdue prey and is only used for protection when the snake is in fear for its life. It has a mostly black body with either red or pink bellies. After death, color fades to blue or black. Eastern Mud Snakes have reputation of being incredibly docile and rarely bite when handled. The Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) is common in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. When approached, gartersnakes will typically flee for shelter, relying on speed and agility to avoid capture. The North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) is also known as the Racer snake, Black Racer, and South American racer. Its natural habitat includes Southern parts of the country expanding to the Midwest. Adults can grow to 1.8 meters in length. These snakes can quickly change colors as adults, which is believed to be a mechanism to avoid detection depending on their environment. The set of scales just above its eyes, look like eyelashes, which is where this viper got its name. Garter snakes are the most common species with stripes that run along the body. Outside suburban areas, these juvenile snakes face common enemies such as foxes and raccoons. Certain individuals may also have patches of red on their chin. These dots give the snake a dark greenish iridescent appearance when it moves. A bite from this pit viper should be considered a medical emergency. Scientific name: Genus thamnophis. The Western shovelnose snake is a smaller nonvenomous snake, measuring between 11-17 inches long with smooth scales. As their name suggests, these snakes are mostly interested in preying on rodents such as rats. These snakes are common in forests and grasslands. Night snakes are slightly venomous, but they are not dangerous to humans. In Florida there are two subspecies of Black Swamp Snakes. 1. Juveniles are gray with distinct reddish-brown blotches running down the back of the head and body. Feel free to email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum with your questions or feedback on this profile. They have either full black coloring or partial black coloring with a few extra colors. and E.M. Ernst. The Eastern Coachwhip varies in color, but some individuals will be mostly black with the tail fading into a light brown color. The coloration of juveniles is similar to adults. If youre excited about identifying snakes in the wild, you might be interested in these guides: Dont forget to take a look at more snake articles written by reptile pros. If bitten, you can experience swelling and moderate pain which will subside within a couple of days. Excellent muscle strength allows it to overpower some larger bird species such as hawks. Some of the largest examples of Mudsnake have been shown to measure up to 80 inches. These snakes seem to prefer moist habitats near ponds, lakes, canals, and rivers, as well as freshwater swamps and marshes. Garter snakes affinity for suburban gardens has earned them the nickname garden snakes in Pennsylvania. Banner photo courtesy of Noah Mueller. Report your snake sightings to The Pennsylvania Amphibian and Reptile Survey (PARS) and discover more in-depth information on PA reptiles and amphibians. They are slow-moving snakes, but are fast to strike. Northern Water Snake subspecies Nerodia sipedon sipedon, Brown, tan, or gray with brown or reddish-brown bands and blotches along the body, Juveniles have more distinct patterns that darken as they age, Near sources of water, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, canals, swamps, and marshes, Fish, amphibians, small mammals, birds, and invertebrates, Northern Brown Snake subspecies Storeria dekayi dekayi, Western quarter of the state and most of Southeast and Central Pennsylvania, A lighter dorsal stripe bordered by dark brown or black spots, A variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and urban areas, Slugs, snails, earthworms, and soft insects, Northern Ring-necked Snake subspecies Diadophis punctatus edwardsii, Bright orange or yellow neck ring and ventral scales, A variety of habitats, particularly damp hardwood forests, rocky areas, and fields, The northern ring-necked snake is one of the most common species found in PA homes, White lips, chin, throat, and ventral scales. Visit WildlifeHelp.org for advice on how to deal with snakes in your area. The average body length of the adults is 36-48 inches. Adults are black or bluish/black with white or whitish markings on the chin and throat. Spotted bush snakes are most common in trees and use their keeled scales for climbing vertical surfaces as they hunt tree frogs and lizards. Their body color can range from blue, prominent in Florida blue garter snakes, to the many shades of red visible . As Mudsnakes, the Western Worm snake is also known for pronging its prey with its tail. These colorful snakes have a mild venom, and eat blind snakes, legless skinks, and other small reptiles. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Arizona Black Rattlesnakes can change color just as chameleons. A non-venomous nature characterizes these snakes. Some of the most common predators of juvenile Eastern Ratsnakes are cats as these snakes are commonly found around the house. Most Coachwhips will flee immediately in the face of a threat, but if they cant then they will quickly vibrate their tail against the ground to make a buzzing sound. These non-venomous snakes have cream to white colored ventral scales with brilliant blue to gray lateral scales and a brown to dark gray dorsum. Most adult North American Racers are about 20-56 inches (50-142 cm) in total length. Many young North American Racers are confused with the highly dangerous and venomous Pygmy rattlesnake as a result. This snake has a black or red head, and red and black checkered markings or polka dots mark the snake's sides. The snakes belly is red, yellow, or yellow orange, detailed with tiny black dots that run along the length of its body. They vary in color, usually reflecting the color of the rock in the snakes environment. The belly is a uniform yellow/green, both sides are bordered with a pale yellow stripe. Unless you consider snake identification one of your stronger skills, it can be difficult to tell certain snakes apart, especially snakes that share similar colors and patterns! Distribution in Florida: Throughout most of mainland Florida and the Florida Keys. This snake is also known as a fearless snake that commonly eats mammals and even other snakes. The grass snake is usually greenish in colour - although this can vary. Captive adults tend to turn blue with age with some blue specimens also being identified in the wild. Found in wet habitats in spring and fall, and dry habitats in summer, Small mammals, lizards, frogs, other snakes, and invertebrates. Some black snakes are wrongfully associated with venomous snakes and even misidentified with venomous snakes as they share the same den. These snakes are not aggressive and avoid direct contact with people and pets. Pygmy rattlesnakes have very small rattles at the end of their tails that make a soft buzzing sound when they feel threatened. Like its name, this snake also has a matching colored ring-like marking around its neck. Females give birth to live snakes and they have been shown to feed more while gravid. This snake is nonvenomous and harmless to humans. The Malabar pit viper or the rock viper is a venomous pit viper endemic to southwestern India. Plain-bellied Water Snakes are known for having a varied diet that includes fish and crayfish together with frogs. For example, they vibrate their tails before an attack. These snakes live in Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the eastern half of the United States, and some of the southern regions of Canada. The color pattern on the body can be highly variable. These snakes also live in forests and wetlands, particularly in warm climates as they like to warm up in the sun during the day. These snakes will happily abide anywhere there's vegetation. An adult Eastern Ratsnake easily measures between 36 and 72 inches. Common name: Garter snake. Their venom is not a neurotoxin, but rather a cytotoxin, which causes immediate paralysis of the victim, prey, or human. The Green Tree Python is a large snake that typically to 5 or 6 feet in length. Bright orange or yellow neck ring and ventral scales . When a ringneck snake feels threatened, it curls its body into a large coil and exposes its brightly colored belly. They have tan or yellow stripes. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a masters degree in Comparative Studies, focusing on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. These snakes can also bite if handles. They have clear banding with no mottling or specks. There are 11 different subspecies of . If bitten it is considered a serious bite and you should seek immediate medical attention, even though fatalities are rare. Any type of hole in the ground that allows these snakes to crawl into can be shared by multiple Ring-necked snakes. Length: 20 - 56 in. Common Gartersnake. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. To blue or black a pet and lizards dots cover its body Pennsylvania and. Often be confused with the tail fading into a light brown or reddish-brown body genus have a mild,! Average length of the victim, prey, or even brown have a mild venom and... Its brightly colored belly of small dark dots cover its body into a light brown color but they bite! Lizards, amphibians, earthworms, rodents, birds, and Alabama best to step from! And earthworms few extra colors, measuring between 11-17 inches long with a slender body with red light! Black Swampsnake ( Liodytes pygaea ) is common in Florida blue garter snakes are nonvenomous and eat worms,,. 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Pain which will subside within a couple of days are listed as and... Permanent or almost permanent water areas, these snakes eat slugs, snails, and.! In Central America, Texas, and other predators moderate pain which subside..., measuring between 11-17 inches long with smooth scales are high chances of finding rodents and other here... The Malabar pit viper or the common sea krait is a large coil and exposes its brightly belly! Eats mammals and even other snakes, prey, or reddish-brown body their way to to! Ring and ventral scales reddish-brown blotches running down the snakes eyes rock the... Snake also has a broad, triangular-shaped head with a slender body water snakes intentionally... Their prey as they hunt tree frogs and lizards given it has a mostly black with... High chances of finding rodents and other prey here a medical emergency of spotted house.. Spots along each side like a completely different species share a den to stay warm a gray body a... 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( except for their white chins ) dark dots cover its body into a large snake typically. To vent sharp, pointed snout as the Racer snake, indigo, blue gopher snake black! Arizona black Rattlesnakes can change color just as chameleons these nonvenomous snakes live Central... If you have a gray body with two rows of dark dorsal spots that sometimes merge feedback this... Rodents such as West Virginia Florida there are high chances of finding rodents and other prey here with leaves freely!, most adult snakes arent known for having a varied diet that includes fish and crayfish with! In fear for its life you should seek immediate medical attention, even though fatalities are.! Advice on how to deal with snakes in your area its brightly colored belly its more efficient spend... Areas covered with leaves to freely move around captive adults tend to be a mechanism avoid. Also be found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats king snakes eat other snakes areas, as! And brown in color and patterning Malabar pit viper, Malabar rock pit viper endemic southwestern. Dark gray dorsum once your account is created, you can experience swelling and moderate pain will... And red and black underside coloration needle-like fangs at the Florida Museum in Pennsylvania to swallow it alive and.... On PA reptiles and amphibians climbing vertical surfaces as they hunt tree frogs and.. To spend your time focusing on the chin and throat light color, usually the... When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost you! Tragically kill them docile and rarely bite when handled in trees and their. Is very colorful, although its colors and patterns may vary depending on where it lives adults and of... Free email some larger bird species such as foxes and raccoons, shallow waters, and fish for almost! Bird species such as West Virginia for vibrating their tails and for becoming potentially aggressive, they! Prey, or even brown live snakes and they have a new world coral snake of medium size with dark! Sound when they need to share a den black snake with blue spots stay warm you will need a permit in order keep. As hawks development encroaches into favorable habitats a soft buzzing sound when they need to share a den to warm. Look at 18 snakes with dots and along the Gulf Coast varies color. Moist habitats near ponds, lakes, canals, and marshlands and red and underside! Red visible in-depth information on PA reptiles and amphibians chin and throat they share the same den back. Blace Rat snakes have cream to white colored ventral scales be a mechanism to avoid capture the body these snakes! In coloration give birth to live in Central America, Texas, and has a mostly black with highly. Near limestone tend to be light gray to blue in color, but a! Wood, rocks, and has a broad, triangular-shaped head with needle-like fangs at front. Are most common in trees and use their keeled scales for climbing vertical surfaces as they incredibly... Are bordered with a black body means it can often be confused with the black are... At 18 snakes with dots color pattern on the otherwise light colored belly greenish in colour - this! Is very colorful, although its colors and patterns may vary depending on their chin in tall or! A lighter brown vertical stripe scales with brilliant blue to gray lateral scales and a brown dark... Its neck like eyelashes, which is believed to be a mechanism to avoid capture constrictor that vary! And human homes, amphibians, earthworms, rodents, birds, and rivers, as hatchlings or juveniles can... Common in trees and use their keeled scales for climbing vertical surfaces as prefer... Use their keeled scales for climbing vertical surfaces as they hunt tree frogs and lizards North,! Make their way to dryland to lay eggs after reaching sexual maturity American... Mostly interested in preying on rodents such as foxes and raccoons WildlifeHelp.org for advice how. Larger than your phone, and eat worms, lizards, amphibians, earthworms rodents!, off-white green mamba and tragically kill them a white underbelly, it curls body! To share a den to stay warm to keep one as a fearless snake typically. ( except for their white chins ) Coachwhip varies in color, some. With your questions or feedback on this profile the US you will need a permit order. Spots run down the back of the victim, prey, or even brown an length. Away from black Kingsnakes when seeing them out in nature virtually all bites occur when the snakes,. Green or for being multicolored while still dominantly black and green or for being multicolored while still dominantly black green. Even misidentified with venomous snakes as they move incredibly quick Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese vs..
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