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Two species of greensnake occur in Ohio. Because they are small and secretive, blend in well with their surroundings, and are comparatively rare throughout their range, green snakes are only occasionally encountered.
Except for struggling violently when handled, even after being in captivity for some time, the green snakes are gentle and never bite. Unfortunately, they often cannot be induced to eat in captivity and therefore do not make hardy captives. |
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Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
At-a-Glance
• Typical foods: Insects--particularly crickets, grasshoppers, butterflies, small caterpillars, ants, and spiders
• Length: 14-20 inches
• Gestation period : 4-23 days
• Number of offspring : 3-11 |
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Description
This dainty little snake is found in southwest, central, and northeast Ohio. It has smooth scales. It is also more terrestrial than its cousing the rough greensnake. However, it does not hesitst to climb small shrubs, where it handles itself remarkably well. As the name implies, these snakes are a beautiful grass green. The underbody is a yellowish cream color.
Habitat and Habits
Greensnakes have been found in a variety of places, including blackberry bushes, grapevines, shrubs, roadside ditches, open grassy meadows, and marshy grass.
The relatively few specimens of this snake encountered in Ohio have been in the extreme southwest-- in the area of Butler, Hamilton, and Fayette counties. Since the Western smooth green snake is primarily a prairie inhabitant of the West, those in Ohio are probably remnants of the western prairie that once extended into the state. This snake is rare not only in Ohio, but also throughout its range, wherever prairie has given way to civilization.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Smooth greensnakes mate soon after emerging from hibernation in the spring. The young are born in late summer. Females may share an egg-layng site. |
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