Opheodrys vernalis
Smooth Greensnake / Couleuvre Verte
Description
The Smooth Greensnake is bright green with a white belly. Hatchlings can be blue-gray to
dark green in colour. It can grow to 66 cm in total length.
Confusing Species
There are no other solid green snakes within the
Smooth Greensnake's range in Canada.
Distribution
The Smooth Greensnake is found from southeastern Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia. It is absent
from eastern Manitoba and western Ontario. Outside of Canada, it is limited mainly to the
Great Lakes region and east. Some scattered populations occur as far west as New Mexico.
Habitat
The Smooth Greensnake is found in a variety of moist habitats including wet prairies,
meadows, marsh borders, and open woodlands.
Reproduction
Mating occurs in spring or summer. Females lay from 3-11 cylindrical eggs in rotting logs,
underground burrows, or even under boards. The eggs hatch in 1-3 weeks, depending upon the
temperature. Hatchlings are 10-16 cm in length and grow quickly. They can mature during
their second year.
Natural History
The Smooth Greensnake can climb shrubs or tall grasses. Its colour provides an excellent
camouflage in grass or low shrubs. It eats a variety of invertebrates including
caterpillars, spiders and crickets. Possible predators include other snakes, birds and
mammals -- including housecats. It is unclear how long the Smooth Greensnake can live
in the wild, but snakes caught as adults have lived for over 5 years in captivity. It
hibernates communally underground, often in very large groups, with other species of
snakes.
Conservation Concerns
Like many snakes, the Smooth Greensnake, is attracted to the warm surface of roads,
particularly in the evening. Many individuals are needlessly killed each year by cars.
Nonetheless, it is considered widespread and abundant in both Canada and the USA.
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