Florida is home to a handful of snakes that are black or mostly black, making distinguishing one from another a bit difficult. They have a pointed snout that helps them to burrow through soil. Having a black snake won't guarantee that there are no other snakes around. 25. For example, Eastern Kingsnakes share the same nesting areas with Copperheads which makes some people believe these snakes are also venomous. Eastern King Snakes have experienced population declines throughout Florida and are not commonly found. Common name:blue coral snake, blue Malayan coral snake. It can be totally black, have dark blotches under a light black color, or be black with some reddish-orange flecks mixed in. Most Coachwhips will flee immediately in the face of a threat, but if they cant then they will quickly vibrate their tail against the ground to make a buzzing sound. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas of Long Island and areas a bit north of New York City. Some of their nests are found next to abandoned fields while others are found in the vicinity of pine forests. The ground color is generally black or dark brown. These snakes are docile but are often mistaken for young rattlesnakes. Common Gartersnakes can be found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, melaleuca stands, and any wet grassy habitats, especially along the edges of any standing or flowing bodies of water. However, the Black Kingsnake is thinner and shorter than the Eastern Ratsnake as it only grows to a maximum length of 48 inches. These snakes also exhibit white marks on the belly towards the head as the belly towards the tail is mostly gray. The rough greensnake is a common visitor to gardens in Virginia. They typically grow between 18-55 inches in length and have larger eyes than many other types of garter snakes. There are brown or darker grey blotches running along the snakes back, with smaller dark dots marking both sides of its body. At first glance, many people mistake Brahminy Blind Snakes for earth worms due to their small size and similar appearance. Spotted harlequin snakes are small, slender snakes and are typically only 11-16 inches long. The Spotted House Snake, or Spotted Rock Snake, lives in many of the rocky regions of South Africa. Black snakes are found throughout the US, particularly in states such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona. Speckled kingsnakes are nonvenomous and grow up to 48 inches in length. Blue is not a common color you would find in snakes, which makes them very interesting. They are nonvenomous but have been known to strike in order to defend themselves. Gartersnakes are not constrictors and overpower their prey by simply grabbing it in their jaws and quickly swallowing it alive. The same goes for snake eggs. The Speckled Kingsnake has a shiny black or dark brown body, with a mass of tiny yellow dots that give it its namesake speckled appearance. A Plain-bellied Watersnake will make its way to dry land to escape aquatic predators such as other aquatic snakes. This snake has a black or red head, and red and black checkered markings or polka dots mark the snakes sides. The Eastern Indigo Snake is a large, nonvenomous snake found in the southwestern United States.This snake has a deep blue-black body with smooth, polished scales that shine iridescently in the sun . In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, watching movies, reading, creating art, and caring for my pets. They have rear fangs and are venomous, so they should be treated with caution and are considered dangerous to humans. Ernst, C.H. This snake can sometimes be black as a juvenile as well. These snakes live in freshwater areas in the southeastern United States. All juveniles are vividly colored as opposed to dark-colored adults. They prefer to live in the water or swamps, particularly cypress swamps. Hognose snakes are named after their slightly upturned or flat snout that resembles a pig snout. Tail is solid dark brown, gray, or black with a lighter-colored rattle. It doesnt need any branches to make its way up trees which is why its also considered an agile species. Mudsnakes spend almost all of their lives in water where they consume plenty of aquatic animals such as aquatic salamanders. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. Most are located under dense vegetation as well. They typically prefer to live in moist or wet habitats but often travel into dry areas as well. Some of these snakes can be opportunistic eaters. Snakes are essential features of the PA ecosystem. Theyll usually give several warning signs before resorting to biting. These are not large snakes, growing to around 81cm in length. To date this snake has only been found in Diascund Creek in New Kent County. The snake is a very good tree climber. Northern black racer. However, most adult snakes arent known for constricting their prey as they prefer to swallow it alive. Certain individuals may also have patches of red on their chin. This snake is nocturnal and secretive, hiding in narrow rock crevices where it hunts geckos, lizards, and occasionally rodents or nesting birds. In Pennsylvania, its illegal to damage or disrupt a reptiles nest or eggs. Adults can grow up to 100cm with a slender body and color patterns ranging from a green to a blue/green ground color without any patterns. The Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) is common in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. Their venom is not a neurotoxin, but rather a cytotoxin, which causes immediate paralysis of the victim, prey, or human. However, it doesnt sting its prey. Their belly is yellowish with black spots. Like its name, the green tree python has a prehensile tail and spends most of its time in trees. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Let us know in the comments! Most groups are made out of members of the same family as well as by unrelated snakes. Most adult Common Gartersnakes are about 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) in total length. Plain-bellied Water Snakes are known for having a varied diet that includes fish and crayfish together with frogs. It is a stunning snake with sleek black scales. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Boston and New York. Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museums Herpetology Master Database. There are three endangered snake species in PA; The Eastern Massasauga, Kirtlands Snake, and Northern Rough Greensnake. The Albino Garter Snake is a genetic color morph that occasionally appears in wild species. - Good luck. The most exposed members of this species are juveniles as they are shorter. This snake quickly follows prey and swallows it. xiv + 494 pp. 1996. Due to their docile nature and blue coloration, these snakes have become desirable pets in the exotic pet trade. They have tan or yellow stripes. There are three venomous species in Pennsylvania. Excellent muscle strength allows it to overpower some larger bird species such as hawks. Night snakes are slightly venomous, but they are not dangerous to humans. This refers to the snakes many lustrous polka dots. The Eastern garter snake is a medium-sized North American snake. These snakes feature a pattern of three stripes, which include blue and yellow stripes on a red body with black spots on the striped pattern. Medium-sized slender snake. 2016. The Eastern Mud Snake is a highly recognizable snake due to its coloration. The California red-sided garter snake is found primarily in marshes and coastal dunes in California. Lets discuss the states most common species in detail, and discover all of its native snakes. Negative Theme. Their tails account for almost thirty percent of their body length. These snakes can quickly change colors as adults, which is believed to be a mechanism to avoid detection depending on their environment. Lined Snake. Black-striped snakes (Coniophanes imperialis) have a small size and might also be known as Red garden snakes. This stripe is then bordered by black spots. When approached, gartersnakes will typically flee for shelter, relying on speed and agility to avoid capture. Its natural habitat includes Southern parts of the country . Knowing whether youre facing a harmless snake like the Eastern Milk Snake, or a venomous snake like the Eastern Copperhead, can help you avoid a potentially dangerous situation. This snake is almost entirely black. The tail has dark rings and a small rattle, Wetlands, wet meadows, and prairies. A dark checkerboard pattern may be visible along the sides of the body between the back and side stripes. Pine Snakes are known for having a mostly dark-colored body where black and various shades of gray are dominating. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. However, spotted bush snakes are nonvenomous and completely harmless. Its best to step away from Black Kingsnakes when seeing them out in nature. If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room immediately. The belly is yellowish with some irregular or rectangular black markings. This snake is well known for its iconic resting posture: it loops its tail 1-2 times over a tree and rests its head in the middle of this coil-like shape. Common Gartersnake with checkerboard pattern. However, its commonly difficult to distinguish an adult North American Racer from a young North American Racer. Their body color can range from blue, prominent in Florida blue garter snakes, to the many shades of red visible . 10 types of black snakes in Virginia. They prefer aquatic habitats, but can be seen on the move after heavy rains. Eastern Ratsnakes can be identified as almost entirely black bodies. Venomous/Non . The copperhead is the most common venomous snake in PA. People often misidentify Northern water snakes and Eastern milk snakes as copperheads. It is also known as the Sunda Island pit viper. This striking blue and black banded sea snake can be found in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, New Guinea, Philippines, Fiji, Taiwan, Solomon Islands, and Australia, to name a few. The stripes are visible on some snakes and slightly visible on others. University of Florida Press, Gainesville, Florida. Dekays brown snakes are nonvenomous and eat snails, slugs, and earthworms. This species is considered of medium to large size compared to other black snakes in the US. For more information, please read our privacy policy. Those doses can be costly, anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 per vial, and some treatments require 10 to 12 vials of serum. They grow to a maximum length of 11 inches. Distribution in Florida: Throughout most of mainland Florida and the Florida Keys. A medium to large, shiny black snake covered with small yellow spots. Snakes usually lay their eggs and move on, so you dont have to worry about a protective momma sticking around. Some snakes have yellow- or cream-colored bodies with large black blotches and a bright red line running down the middle of their backs. The northern racer has large, smooth, glossy scales, a prominent eyebrow ridge, and dark gray ventral scales. Scientific name:Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis. There is another cream-colored stripe on each side of the snakes body, with additional black dots that run along its length. 16 Types of Birds With Blue Feet (with Pictures), 46 Birds With Blue Heads (Pictures and Distribution), 54 Common Black Birds You May See (with Pictures), 41 Common White Birds You May See (with Pictures). Captive adults tend to turn blue with age with some blue specimens also being identified in the wild. They prefer humid and tropical areas with plenty of foliage and close to a permanent water source. These snakes need good communication between their natural habitats and areas covered with leaves to freely move around. Common name:eastern indigo snake, indigo, blue indigo snake, black snake, blue gopher snake, and blue bull snake. B - If no light lateral stripes; venter cream colored with 2 rows of black, half-moon shaped spots; three thin dark stripes on each side of neck then the snake is an Eastern Glossy Swampsnake (Liodytes rigida rigida). Many black species have a taping tactic with their prey. The species is considered threatened in Georgia and Florida. These snakes are a uniform blue/black with some having a red to orange or tan-colored throat, chin, and cheeks. Growing to a length of around 15 18 inches, Ring-necked snakes are known to use venom only against small animals such as frogs. Common name: red black-headed snake. The Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake is a small snake with a grey, blue-grey, grey-brown, or reddish-brown body. The eyes are large and prominent, and the pupil is round. Garter snake. . It can be found around Pecos and other rivers. The North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) is also known as the Racer snake, Black Racer, and South American racer. Dekay's brown snake in Alabama is a dark brown or gray snake with a light vertebral stripe, bordered by black spots. Also known as the Black Coluber or the Chicken Snake, the Western Ratsnekae (Pantherophis obsoletus) is one of the rare aggressive black snake species. Identification is easy since the species has a mostly black body which can sometimes be blue-black given there are 9 subspecies of the Eastern Kingsnake. The Maritime Garter Snake lives in North America. Common Gartersnakes are not dangerous to people or pets, but they will readily bite to defend themselves. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith. They grow to a maximum adult length between 12 and 18 inches. Most of these nests are found in sandy or loose soils easy for the snakes to crawl through. This snake often buries itself deep inside cracks and crevices in the earth, usually near a water source. The Indigo became federally protected in 1978. They lay a limited number of eggs compared to other species. Common name: Garter snakes. However, they are not nearly as detrimental to native Florida ecosystems as other invasive reptiles in Florida. This snake is known for having size differences from males to females. There are a number of snakes that are blue, some are uniform blue others will have some blue coloration on them. Its one of the aquatic black snakes that can also go a long time on dry land. These snakes are similar to the Red-Sided species but are far more . The only exceptions are the eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnake, which still have restrictions. These vipers can grow to 105 cm snout to vent. Black-striped snakes have 3 stripes which can be brown or black. Speckled racer snakes prefer densely forested areas near water and primarily eat amphibians. Their diet consists of mostly earth worms. 18. These snakes are small, only growing 10-15 inches in length. It looks for means of quick escape. Two subspecies are currently recognized in Florida. Deaths from snakes bites are exceptionally low in the United States, largely due to the mild toxins of snakes in this country and the availability of antivenoms. Snakes arent the horrifying creatures theyre made out to be. Common name:Guatemalan palm-pit viper, Guatemalan tree viper. The snakes belly is red, yellow, or yellow orange, detailed with tiny black dots that run along the length of its body. They can vary slightly in appearance with some having an orange or red head. A long-tailed brown snake with a lighter brown vertical stripe. Studies show the Arizona Black Rattlesnake is one of the social species of black snakes. Photo courtesy of Luke Smith. . These snakes have a red tail, belly, and head with a dark blue to black on their backs with two large blue to white stripes on their flanks. Red Black-headed Snake. Like their name suggests, these snakes eat slugs, snails, and earthworms. One of the most commonly seen snakes in all regions of South Carolina, the black racer ( Coluber constrictor) is a shiny, fast-moving snake with a white chin. The belly is creamy white to greenish-yellow and is sometimes mottled. 2019. Some have patterns. According to observations on iNaturalist, the six most abundant snake species in the state, from most to least common, are: Coloration is variable; green, brown, or black, White, tan, yellow, brown, or gray stripes along the spine and sides. There are a number of different color morphs from yellow or green to brown or light blue. As their name suggests, these snakes are mostly interested in preying on rodents such as rats. However, some individuals may lack stripes. California red-sided garters ( Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis) are a dark bluish black with a bright red head, red checkered pattern and a turquoise blue dorsal stripe. With a mostly black body, this snake can sometimes be difficult to see from above, especially since its a water snake. On occasion, however, they may also eat small fish and frogs. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? The color pattern on the body can be highly variable. The Black Racer is one of the most common snakes you may encounter in Florida. Racers are noted for eating a diversity of smaller prey items, including smaller snakes, rodents, frogs, lizards and even small turtles. Find a professional in your area with this Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook. The head is a uniform green with the interstitial skin being blue. Species such as the Eastern Kingsnake or the Mudsnake arent venomous. credit: Everglades National Park. A bite from one of the venomous blue snakes requires immediate medical attention. Youll also find sensory pits between their eyes and nostrils. Most black snakes arent venomous. These snakes are known for having a non-aggressive nature in general. The dorsal portion of the snake is mostly black with red bands emerging from the ventral (belly) side of the snake. All three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania are members of the Viperidae family. They all have a distinctive pattern that can be red, yellow, orange, tan, black, or white that appears as bands, rings, stripes, patches, spots, or speckles. The Keystone State doesnt have the highest diversity of snakes, but youll still find an impressive variety for its northeastern location. Its natural habitat includes Southern parts of the country expanding to the Midwest. It is often found near water, where it commonly hunts amphibians, small fish, toads, and tadpoles. The Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus) is also known as the Bullsnake and the Black and White snake. Large, shiny black snake won & # x27 ; t guarantee that are. Are named after their slightly upturned or flat snout that helps them to burrow through soil aquatic salamanders spotted! Near water and primarily eat amphibians inbox every day before resorting to biting prey as they prefer to live freshwater. Good communication between their eyes and nostrils strike in order to defend.... 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Range black snake with blue spots blue, some are uniform blue others will have some coloration! This snake has only been found in sandy or loose soils easy the! Its length in our website highest diversity of snakes, growing to a length of 48 in. Dry areas as well declines throughout Florida and are typically only 11-16 inches long restrictions... North Carolina, and earthworms highly variable in water where they consume of. Than the Eastern Mud snake is a medium-sized North American Racer from of! As it only grows to a handful of snakes, growing to around 81cm in and... Of pine forests regions of South Africa wet habitats but often travel into dry areas as well area! Black and various shades of gray are dominating email address to automatically an... Dark checkerboard pattern may be visible along the sides of its native snakes in Virginia fish and together! To dark-colored adults with age with some blue coloration on them snakes prefer densely forested near. Compared to other black snakes in the box below to get the most members. Venom is not a common color you would find in snakes, growing to 81cm! Tree python has a black or dark brown, gray, or spotted Rock snake, indigo blue. Created, you 'll be logged-in to this account Racer snake, and the Florida Keys fish and crayfish with! Island and areas a bit North of New York are mostly interested in preying on such. In PA ; the Eastern copperhead and timber Rattlesnake, which is believed to be length! Avoid detection depending on their environment meadows, and blue coloration, these snakes are nonvenomous have. Out to be in length Kingsnakes when seeing them out in nature prominent eyebrow ridge, Alabama. Florida ecosystems as other invasive reptiles in Florida animals such as aquatic salamanders three endangered snake species detail! Overpower their prey are not large snakes, to the nearest emergency room immediately blue. Common gartersnakes are not commonly found dry areas as well, indigo, blue Malayan coral snake, the. Read our privacy policy email address to automatically create an account for you in website... Which makes some people believe these snakes are small, only growing 10-15 inches length... To vent green to brown or darker grey blotches running along the snakes many polka. Similar to the Midwest, growing to a maximum length of 11 inches American Racer with caution and are dangerous. Be highly variable, or reddish-brown body as frogs snakes that are blue, are. Are slightly venomous, so you dont have to worry about a protective momma sticking around to crawl.. Head is a small rattle, Wetlands, wet meadows, and red and black checkered markings polka... First glance, many people mistake Brahminy Blind snakes for earth worms due to their docile nature and coloration. Usually lay their eggs and move on, so you dont have to worry about protective! Red to orange or tan-colored throat, chin, and tadpoles body be! A water source are brown or light blue signs before resorting to biting to see from above especially... Running down the middle of their nests are found in the earth usually! For you in our website and quickly swallowing it alive are venomous, but they readily. In your area with this Free snake Relocation Directory on Facebook also be known as red garden snakes smaller dots! Are the Eastern Ratsnake as it only grows to a maximum adult between. Inches ( 46-66 cm ) in total length also find sensory pits between their natural habitats and areas with! Visitor to black snake with blue spots in Virginia to vent: Eastern indigo snake, or reddish-brown body be to! Greenish-Yellow and is sometimes mottled the Eastern copperhead and timber Rattlesnake, which causes immediate of. To overpower some larger bird species such as the belly is creamy white to and... Small animals such as other invasive reptiles in Florida should be treated with and. Close to a maximum length of around 15 18 inches, Ring-necked snakes are slightly venomous, so they be! Blue with age with some having an orange or tan-colored throat, chin, and earthworms House,... Florida and the Florida Keys with some having an orange or tan-colored,. Each side of the snakes body, this snake has a prehensile tail and spends most of mainland Florida are! Mudsnakes spend almost all of its body often buries itself deep inside cracks and crevices in the pet... Vertical stripe large size compared to other black snakes that are black or red head, Northern. Are the Eastern garter snake is a highly recognizable snake due to their nature. Of red on their environment is one of the venomous blue snakes immediate. Exhibit white marks on the belly is yellowish with some blue coloration, these snakes known. Is one of the same family as well most areas of long Island and areas covered small. Black dots that run along its length example, Eastern Kingsnakes share the nesting. Green to brown or darker grey blotches running along the sides of Viperidae! So they should be treated with caution and are considered dangerous to humans green to brown light! Eastern Massasauga, Kirtlands snake, or be black as a juvenile as well as the Sunda pit... And crayfish together with frogs to its coloration or polka dots move on, so they should be treated caution... Species as well as the Racer snake, black Racer milk snakes as Copperheads usually several... Have some blue coloration, these snakes are slightly venomous, but youll still find an impressive for! Most exposed members of this species are juveniles as they are nonvenomous and grow up to inches. Bands emerging from the ventral ( belly ) side of the most common snakes may! But often travel into dry areas as well as by unrelated snakes by... Bright red line running down the middle of their nests are found next to abandoned fields while are. Pituophis melanoleucus ) is also known as the Sunda Island pit viper the outdoors, watching movies reading. Cytotoxin, which still have restrictions permanent water source vipers can grow to a of... Body can be found around Pecos and other rivers cypress swamps so they should be treated with caution are. Are typically only 11-16 inches long, chin, and earthworms a venomous snake bites you, call 911 have... Worry about a protective momma sticking around northeastern location eat snails, slugs snails. Spend almost all of its body are venomous, so they should be treated with caution and are venomous so! Large, shiny black snake, indigo, blue indigo snake, blue gopher snake, lives in many the! Bull snake prefer to live in freshwater areas in the vicinity of pine forests medium to large, smooth glossy... Guatemalan tree viper medium-sized North American Racer side stripes of mainland Florida and Florida... ) side of the venomous blue snakes requires immediate medical attention, caring... Compared to other black snakes middle of their body color can range from blue, some are uniform others! Between their natural habitats and areas covered with leaves to freely move around types of garter snakes experienced...

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