The southeastern crowned snake (Tantilla coronata) is small, slender snake. Adults are normally tan to brown with a black head and chin. A black band 3-5 scales wide can be seen on the neck. The belly is uniform white, yellow, or pinkish. The scales are smooth, and there are 15 dorsal scale rows at midbody. It has a round pupil and divided anal. Juveniles exhibit the same morphology as adults and are around 3 in. (7.6 cm) upon hatching.
Ten Facts about Southeastern Crowned Snake
- Ranging from 5.2-9.6 in (13.3-24.5 cm) in length.
- Southeastern crowned snakes can be found throughout the Coastal Plain from the Florida panhandle north, but are absent from southern Georgia.
- They can be found in a variety of habitats, but are normally collected under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other ground debris.
- Primarily an insectivore, it feeds on insect larvae, snails, spiders, and especially centipedes.
- Breeding occurs from April to May.
- Southeastern crowned snakes lay 1-3 eggs between May and June.
- Clutch sizes average between three and four eggs.
- The crowned snake has tiny fangs in the back of the mouth and injects venom into its prey. They are harmless to humans.
- Life span up to 6 years.
- Predators includes cats, bats, owls, birds, hawks, foxes.
