Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Serpentes Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Higher classification Tantilla | |
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The southeastern crown snake (Tantilla coronata) is a common species of small colubrid snake endemic to the southeastern United States.
Contents
Geographic range
It is found in Alabama, northwestern Florida, Georgia, extreme southern Indiana, western Kentucky, eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and south-central Virginia.
Description
It has a black head with a yellowish crossbar on the occiput, followed by a black collar 3 to 5 scales wide. The remainder of the dorsum is reddish brown, and the underside is whitish. It has smooth dorsal scales in 15 rows and a divided anal plate. Adults average 20–25 cm (8-10 inches) in total length.
Diet
It feeds on small invertebrates such as termites, worms, centipedes and earth-dwelling insect larvae.
Venom
The crown snakes does possess a mild venom. The venom does not pose a threat to humans, but may cause some redness in the area and a white dot where the teeth entered the skin.
Reproduction
Females lay 1-3 eggs in the summer that hatch in the fall.
Conservation status
In Indiana, the southeastern crown snake is listed as an endangered species.
