Reptile · GBIF taxon 2458587
Smooth Green Snake
Opheodrys vernalisAlso known as Grass Snake, Green Grass Snake
Bright emerald scales blend seamlessly into lush vegetation, making this gentle reptile nearly invisible as it moves through moist meadows and grassy fields. Unlike most snakes, it feeds almost exclusively on invertebrates like caterpillars, spiders, and grasshoppers, using keen eyesight to hunt during daylight hours. When alarmed, it sways its head rhythmically to mimic grass moving in the breeze before slipping quietly into cover.
DiurnalInsectivorousCamouflaged
Licensed reference(c) Dustin Snider, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Spiders
Predators
- Hawks
- Raccoons
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsWidespread pesticide use reducing insect prey, habitat loss, and road mortality
HabitatsMeadows, marshes, pastures, grassy fields, stream edges, and open woodlands
Life span6–10 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyColubridae
- SpeciesOpheodrys vernalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless and non-venomous; safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Quietly: Approach slowly without sudden movements to watch its natural hunting behavior in high grass.
- Protect Habitat: Avoid pesticide use in garden margins to preserve its insect prey base.
- Leave in the Wild: Leave snakes in their natural habitat because wild caught individuals adapt poorly to captivity.
Frequent Companion Wilson44691 / Public domain · cc0
Frequent Companion (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Joseph McPhail, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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