34 Snakes In Virginia

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PICTURES & IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

1

Timber Rattlesnake

This venomous snake species (Crotalus horridus) is a North American native. Timber Rattlesnakes are the sole rattlesnake species in this part of the country.

2

Eastern Copperhead

The Eastern Copperhead is one of the most venomous snakes living in Virginia. The species has been studied extensively, mostly for its possibly-beneficial venom when used in medicine.

3

Northern Cottonmouth

This snake (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is known for being almost entirely black except for its head. It grows to just about over 30 inches in size, being similar in length to the Eastern Copperhead.

4

Eastern Gartersnake

The Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis) prefers to live in grasslands across Virginia. This explains its olive-green body color with long white stripes.

5

Queensnake

Highly similar and sometimes wrongly identified as Gartersnakes, Queen snakes (Regina septemvittata) are known for their dark body with off-white stripes that run from head to tail.

6

Eastern Mudsnake

The Eastern Mudsnake (Farancia abacura) is larger than other venomous species in Virginia. It grows to a length of over 50 inches and it can be identified by a mostly black dorsal side. Its underside is both red and black.

7

Smooth Greensnake

The Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis) is one of the small to medium species of snakes in Virginia. It only grows to a maximum length of around 20 inches.

8

Southern Ring-Necked Snake

The species (Diadophis punctatus) is known for its olive-green color with a yellow-orange neckband. This snake prefers to live in areas it can hide in easily, such as locations with tall grass and woodlands.

9

Eastern Ratsnake

This snake species (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is also known as the Blacksnake. It grows to a length of 72 inches.

10

Eastern Worm Snake

The Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) is a type of short snake that eats invertebrates. It has an amber-brown color and it barely reaches 11 inches as an adult.

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