Smooth Green Snake
Opheodrys vernalis

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                                                           photo by Jeff Humphries
Allegheny Mtn, Pendleton Co., West Virginia  elev. 3,900 ft.
Species Description:  This snake may attain a length of up to 22 inches (56 cm).  The back is bright green and the belly is yellowish-white.  It has smooth scales in 15 rows at mid-body.  The only other green snake in the state, the rough green, has keeled scales and a much longer tail than the smooth green.

Habitat:  Smooth green snakes are usually found in old fields, meadows, and around houses.  They can be found by flipping boards and rocks.

Breeding Activity:  Mating has been observed in mid to late August.  Between 5 and 11 eggs are deposited in late June to early July under stones or logs.  Hatching probably occurs in August.

Range:  In West Virginia, the smooth green snake is found mainly at higher elevations.

Comments:  Smooth green snakes are very docile and will rarely, if ever, attempt to bite.  They feed mainly on grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, and spiders.