Scientific Name: Opheodrys aestivusPhoto Credits: Ian DeeryThey feed on insects and spiders. Rough green snakes are excellent climbers and spend most of their time above ground. They are active primarily during the daytime and are common in areas with dense vegetation surrounding water. The babies, that hatch in early fall, look like miniature adults, but their color is less vividly green.
Topics Related to Reptiles - Snakes
Scientific Name: Haldea striatulaPhoto Credits: JD WilsonLiving underground in rotting logs, this non-venomous snake eats earthworms and soft-bodied insects. The snake is brown with a light-colored belly. The babies are usually darker than the adults and have a more distinct neckband.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatusPhoto Credits: JD WilsonThe ring-necked snake is non-venomous. It feeds on earthworms and salamanders. The yellow or orange ring on its neck contrasts with the dark gray or black back of this snake. Found in the forest, the snake lives within rotting logs.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculataPhoto Credits: Mike MartinThis non-venomous snake eats slugs. The red-bellied watersnake is brownish black with three yellowish spots at the base of the neck, and the belly is either orange or red. They are usually found in moist woodlands, often under rotten logs.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Elaphe obsoleta (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)Classification: NongameAbundance: Common throughout the statePhoto Credit: JD Wilson
Scientific Name: Coluber constrictorPhoto Credits: JD WilsonThis non-venomous snake is solid black with a white chin. They have slender bodies and smooth scales. Eating small rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects, the Racer is active during the day. It hunts with its head above the ground. Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Rhadinaea flavilataThis non-venomous snake feeds on lizards and frogs. It is shiny golden-brown with a dark head. Laying 2-4 eggs in the summer, the Pind Woods Snake is found in pine flatwoods and oak forests within rotting logs.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: (Pituophis melanoleucus melanoleucus)Classification: Nongame; state listed as ThreatenedPhoto Credits: Jeff Hall
Scientific Name: Lampropeltis rhombomaculataPhoto Credits: Mike MartinThese non-venomous snakes are strong constrictors. The Mole Kingsnake eats lizards, rodents, and other snakes. It has small reddish blotches on its brown back. Found in the Piedmont, Coastal Plan, and some mountain valleys in western North Carolina, this snake is docile when handled.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.
Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritusPhoto Credits: Richard BarlettFound near canals, streams, ponds and marshes, the Eastern Ribbon Snake is fast-moving. It eats small frogs and salamanders and is non-venomous. Brown with three light stripes, the ribbon snake is active during the day and a great swimmer.Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.