Fauna
Reptile

Smooth Green Snake

Opheodrys vernalis

Also 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
Smooth Green Snake reference1 / 7
(c) Dustin Snider, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, 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
Classification
  1. FamilyColubridae
  2. SpeciesOpheodrys vernalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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