Smooth Greensnake Opheodrys vernalis - Special Concern

NON-VENOMOUS

Family: Colubridae

Description: The Smooth Greensnake is a small terrestrial snake, with adults ranging from 12–20 inches (30–51 cm) in length. These snakes are solid bright green in coloration and have a solid white or light-yellow underside. Juveniles are similar in appearance to adults. Scales are non-keeled, giving individuals a smooth, shiny appearance, and the anal scale is divided. Individuals have a bright red tongue that is tipped with black. Smooth Greensnakes should not be confused with any other South Dakota snake species, as no other snakes are solid green in coloration. Adult North American Racers are olive green with a light-yellow underside but are significantly larger than Smooth Greensnakes. At similar sizes, juvenile North American Racers are patterned, whereas Smooth Greensnakes are unpatterned.

Habitat: Smooth Greensnakes can be found in moist grassy areas in wet meadows, prairies, and woodlands but have also been found in residential and suburban areas.

Natural History: Smooth Greensnakes are typically active in the day from April to September and possibly into October provided warmer temperatures. Like many other snakes, Smooth Greensnakes are solitary in behavior and will seek shelter beneath objects like rocks or logs. Individuals can be found close together while overwintering in den sites and when males seek out females during the reproductive season. These snakes rarely strike but may open their mouth and gape when they feel threatened. Smooth Greensnakes feed primarily on small invertebrates and earthworms and do not constrict their prey. Individuals often overwinter in invertebrate or mammal burrows. Smooth Greensnakes breed shortly after emerging from hibernacula in the spring, and females will lay 3–11 eggs in late July or August. Nests are typically constructed in organic material, such as decaying logs. Females retain eggs in their bodies for longer periods of time compared to many other snakes; therefore, once eggs are laid, they typically hatch within a month.

Species Distribution: This species is distributed across much of New England and throughout the Great Lakes region, with isolated populations occurring throughout the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains, from Iowa and Missouri to New Mexico and Utah.

South Dakota Distribution: Smooth Greensnakes were previously only reported from the Black Hills in western South Dakota and the northeastern corner of the state. Recent records have expanded the recognized distribution of the Smooth Greensnake in South Dakota. Recent records from Corson, Edmunds, and McPherson counties suggest that there may be populations of Smooth Greensnakes in additional localities along the North Dakota border. A single observation has been reported from Union County, which likely represents a disjunct population. Even with additional localities yet to be reported in South Dakota, populations of Smooth Greensnakes likely occur in isolated patches, rather than continuously across large regions.

South Dakota Status: This species is monitored by the South Dakota Natural Heritage Program. Any observations of this species should be reported to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (report observation).

Remarks: Upon death, the color of Smooth Greensnakes changes from green to blue. Yellow and blue pigments in the skin make individuals appear green. After an individual has died, the yellow pigments break down quickly, resulting in only blue pigments remaining.

Distribution Map
Age in years of Most Recent Record
                             
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75+
Phenology of Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Photographs
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)