Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus)

​Species Information 

​Recognized Subspecies in VA: None
Size: 20 - 33 inches
Range: Statewide minus the New River Valley and parts of Western Virginia
Status: Least Concern

Rough Greensnakes are amazing snakes that love field edges. They are diurnal predators that hunt soft-bodied invertebrates such as crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, harvestmen, and especially caterpillars. This species does not normally bite, and relies mainly on its camouflage for protection.  Rough Greensnakes have incredibly long tails, sometimes up to 1/3rd of their total body length, which are completely prehensile, and adept to a life in trees and shrubs. They lay less than a dozen eggs a year. 

Rough Greensnakes are completely patternless throughout their life. They are generally a brilliant green, with a pale green to white underbelly. There is often a yellow line on the upper-lip, that runs down the edge of the venter and sometimes onto the neck. Juveniles are more muted in color than adults. This species has keeled scales on the dorsal. The keel can be hard to discern on juveniles.

Similar Species: Only the Smooth Greensnake is similar to this species. Smooth Greens have a limited range in Virginia, smooth scales, are more ground dwelling (I have never found Rough Greensnakes under rocks), shorter tails, and shorter, rounder faces.

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​​Maps and External Sources

Known and predicted range

***iNaturalist maps show iNat reports of each species. Though maps are quite accurate, some reports could be misidentified, so be cautious of any outlying records.***

VHS Info

iNat Observations

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Preferred Habitat Profile

Rough Greensnakes are typically found in fields and meadows with some bushy cover. They also like hardwood edges along these meadows. This species is often seen basking at eye-level on thin, leafy branches, or crossing roads.