Opheodrys vernalis
Identification
True to its name, the Smooth Greensnake has smooth scales and is solid bright green with a white or off-white belly. Very young greensnakes (neonates) are a very dark green. Smooth Greensnakes can grow to be 2 feet long (the longest documented in Vermont is 19 inches).
Smooth Greensnakes lay eggs. Dead snakes gradually turn blue.
Get more detailed identification and life history information by downloading the chart here.
You can learn more about this species and see some video footage by checking out this clip from our Rattlers, Peepers & Snappers DVD.
Range/Habitat
[ click image to zoom | download printable PDF ]
Smooth Greensnakes are found in beaver meadows, overgrown fields, pastures, and sedge meadows at all elevations but they appear to be missing entirely from most of the Northeast Kingdom.
Status
This species has a state natural heritage rank of S3 (uncommon); however, it is becoming difficult to find in Vermont. The Smooth Greensnake is designated a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (medium priority) in Vermont’s Wildlife Action Plan, and is a species of Special Concern in Vermont as well. Please report all sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible. Even historic sighting information is useful. Any natural history observations (feeding, migrations, road crossing areas, early or late season appearance, abnormalities, etc.) are appreciated.
This snake was formerly classified in the genus Liochlorophis.
Additional Photos
More Info
- Opheodrys vernalis at the Animal Diversity website
- Opheodrys vernalis at the Canadian Herpetological Society website
- Opheodrys vernalis in the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Action Plan: Amphibian & Reptiles (9/25/2015 draft)
- Opheodrys vernalis at the Snakes of Massachusetts website
Species summary written by Ariel K. McK. Burgess.
