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- Adult body length: 12 - 20 inches, record 26 inches
- Length when hatched: 4 - 6½ inches
- Breeding period: mate in spring and late summer
- Young per year: lay 3 - 11 eggs in late August to September
- Typical foods: mainly insects and spiders
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Appearance
As suggested by its name, the scales of this snake are smooth, without keels. The Smooth Green Snake is bright grass-green in color. The under surface is white, often tinged with pale yellow. Recently hatched individuals are bluish gray or dark olive-green. The anal plate is divided. Separating the eastern subspecies from the western subspecies is very difficult and requires a specialist.
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Range
Overall Range
Nova Scotia south to North Carolina, west to Wisconsin, and to central and north central Minnesota.
Range in Ohio
Northeastern quarter of the state. |
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Local Habitat
Moist grassy areas in meadows, marshes, and in fields along forest edges.
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Lifestyle
The Smooth Green Snakes are diurnal. Although it is a good climber, this snake typically is terrestrial. While moving through grass and low shrubs the color of this snake provides excellent camouflage. Individuals often hibernate together in large numbers.
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Links
ODNR, Division of Wildlife, "Species A-Z Guide"
Umass Extension
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