Smooth Green Snake

Scientific Name: Liochlorophis vernalis
Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Lower shrub vegetation, old fields, pastures, farmland , meadows, bog borders, and forest clearings. Found mostly in the open, but may be found under rocks or logs.

Colorations:
Adults:

  • The dorsal is uniform bright green.
  • The ventral is white to yellowish white.
  • The lateral scales may have a slight blue tint.
  • Suparlabials and chin are white to yellow.

Juveniles:

  • Neonates are dark olive grey with lighter side.
  • The ventral is white.

Characteristics:

  • Long, slender species
  • Long tapering tail
  • The head is slightly distinct from the body.
  • Large eyes
  • Smooth scales
  • Terrestrial

Scale Counts:

  • 15 scale rows at mid-body
  • 106-154 ventral scales
  • 59-102 subcaudals | 2 rows of subcaudals
  • 1 nasal scale
  • 1 loreal scale
  • 1 preocular scale
  • 2 postocular scales
  • 1+2 temporal scales
  • 7 supralabials
  • 7-8 infralabials
  • Anal plate is divided

Confused with:

  • Rough Green Snake

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Smooth Green Snake - By: Kyle Loucks Smooth Green Snake - By: Kyle Loucks Smooth Green Snake - By: Kyle Loucks
Smooth Green Snake - By: Kyle Loucks Smooth Green Snake - By: Kyle Loucks Smooth Green Snake - Blue tint - By: Rex Everett
Smooth Green Snake - Blue tint - By: Rex Everett Smooth Green Snake - Blue tint - By: Rex Everett

Range Map:
Smooth Green Snake Range Map

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 309-312pp.
  • Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Snakes of the United States and Canada. 192-195pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Kyle Loucks
  • Rex Everett