Among the thousands of snake species, green snakes stand out with their bright and verdant color. But the term is quite broad, as there are more than one type and species of green snakes.
A green snake is a term that encapsulates several species with prominently green colors. However, it is often used to specifically refer to green snakes from the Colubridae family. Within this group, there are two types: the smooth and rough green snakes.
While such bright colors may make these snakes stand out in other environments, it’s a good camouflage tactic when living in grasslands and other similar areas. This article discusses and responds to the many frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding these snakes.
What Are Green Snakes?
Green snakes are as straightforward as it sounds but also as broad. That’s because there are many species it can refer to, such as the following:
- smooth green snakes
- rough green snakes
- green pit vipers
- green tree pythons
- African green snakes
What Is the Green Snake Called?
But in many contexts, the term “green snake” is usually limited to the Colubridae snakes. Such green snakes have an even more familiar name.
The green snake from the Colubridae family is often called the green grass snake. However, that term is usually restricted to smooth green snakes. You can also call rough green snakes grass snakes, but the term is hardly used in such a way.
Is a Green Snake Poisonous
Before I go on, I should clarify that poison and venom are different things.
Poison is released when something is eaten. Meanwhile, venom is injected, which is what usually happens when we are bitten by snakes. In the case of green snakes, they’re generally neither poisonous nor venomous.
A green snake usually is not poisonous or venomous. Specifically, the green snakes of the Colubridae family and the green tree python are not venomous. However, other green snakes, like pit vipers, are venomous, so you must still be careful around emerald-colored snakes.
Moreover, the lack of venom does not stop snakes from biting or striking you when threatened. Thus, if a green snake bites you, it’s best to seek medical help immediately. Even if there’s no venom, the bite can cause bleeding, which must be treated.
How Much Is a Green Snake Worth?
Due to exploitation, rough green snakes are cheap when bought wholesale, at $8 per snake. However, if you purchase them individually from pet stores, expect them to cost much more. Rough green snakes are easier to find and buy than smooth green snakes.
To give you a better idea, here are some prices of green snakes according to online sellers:
| Seller | Green Snake | Price |
| Backwater Reptiles | Florida Green Snake | $34.99 |
| American Reptile Distributors | Florida Green Snake | $29.99 |
| New Moon Reptiles | Rough Green Snake | $24.99 |
| Lil Reptile | Rough Green Snake | $19.99 |
| Morph Market | Rough Green Snake | $30.00 |
| Underground Reptiles | Rough Green Snake | $29.99 |
| BigAppleHerp | Rough Green Snake | $39.95 |
Those prices above do not include shipping fees. Thus, expect total costs to be much higher. You may also canvass nearby pet stores for green snake prices.
If you want a snake, it is best to purchase it from local and authorized pet stores. Not only will you get the snake sooner than online, but you can also assess its condition before payment. In such a way, you can ensure that the creature you get is healthy and, thus, easier to care for.
How Big Do Green Snakes Get?
Smooth green snakes get as big as 36 to 51 cm (14 to 20 in); thus, they’re relatively small creatures. But there have been some that got to 66 cm (26 in) in length. Meanwhile, rough green snakes can grow as long as 116 cm (~45 in).
Do Green Snakes Have Teeth?
Most snakes, including green snakes, have teeth on their upper and lower jaws. They’re mainly used to grip prey and prevent them from escaping rather than for chewing. As for fangs, which are modified teeth, non-venomous snakes, like green snakes, usually don’t have them.
Snake teeth also look different from human teeth. They’re shaped like hooks, making gripping much easier.
Types of Green Snakes
There are two types of green snakes from the Colubridae family: smooth (Opheodrys vernalis) and green (Opheodrys aestivus). Both are non-venomous and often found in North America. Besides the Colubridae family, there are other green-colored snakes, like pit vipers, pythons, and mambas.
Green snakes aren’t limited to North America. Some of them can be found in Africa and Asia.
What’s the Difference Between a Rough Green Snake and a Smooth Green Snake?
The difference between rough and smooth green snakes is mainly in the dorsal plates. The former’s plates are keeled or have ridges down the center, hence rough, whereas the latter’s is smooth. Moreover, rough green snakes are typically longer than smooth green snakes.
Here is a summary table of the differences and similarities between rough and smooth green snakes:
| Rough Green Snake | Smooth Green Snake | |
| Dorsal Plates | Smooth | Keeled (Have ridges down the center) |
| Size | Shorter | Longer |
| Life Span | 6 years | 8 years |
| Diet | Insectivore/Carnivore | Insectivore/Carnivore |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| Turn Blue After Death | Yes | Yes |
| Aggressive? | Not Aggressive | Not Aggressive |
| Venomous? | Not Venomous | Not Venomous |
| Solitary? | Yes | Yes |
| Arboreal (Tree-dwelling)? | No | Yes |
| Burrower? | Yes | No |
| Hibernating? | Yes | Yes |
How To Find a Rough Green Snake
You can find a rough green snake across Northern America, specifically around open forests, wetlands, and rivers. These snakes are tree-dwelling, so you may find them hanging on branches. As they’re diurnal, search for them during the day when they are out and active.
If you are searching for a pet rough green snake, they are also being sold in physical and online pet stores. Indeed, it’s better to get a snake from stores instead of catching one in the wild, as captives are harder to care for or won’t tolerate captivity.
It can be hard to find and catch green snakes. Their color allows them to efficiently camouflage in their native habitats. Furthermore, it may be illegal in some states to grab them from the wild.
How Long Do Smooth Green Snakes Live
Smooth green snakes can live as long as 6 years. Meanwhile, rough green snakes last longer, surviving up to 8 years. Their actual lifespan depends on their care and environment.
Caring for a Green Snake
Green snakes make popular reptile pets. If you’re interested, too, read these FAQs and their corresponding answers before getting one.
Is a Green Snake a Good Pet?
Both rough and smooth green snakes make good pets because of their docile nature, small size, and they’re low-maintenance. However, they are better recommended for experienced snake owners. They’re tricky to feed and handle; thus, they are not suited for beginners.
What Does a Green Snake Eat
Smooth and rough snakes are carnivores and prefer to eat insects, arthropods, and other small creatures. Smooth green snakes get their food by striking their prey. Meanwhile, rough green snakes swallow their prey alive.
Do Green Snakes Eat Birds?
Because of their size and diet preference, it is unlikely for smooth and rough green snakes to eat birds. They typically go for small creatures, like insects. However, larger green snakes, like green tree snakes or mambas, might eat small birds and bird eggs.
How Long Can a Green Snake Go Without Eating?
A green snake can go without eating for a few weeks, even up to two months. However, it depends upon the species. Consult a veterinarian if your pet green snake has gone too long without eating.
Can You Pick Up a Green Snake?
If you are an experienced snake handler, you can train your green snake so you can pick it up. However, if you have no experience or have just encountered the snake in the wild, do not attempt to pick it up. Not only can they bite, but they won’t make good pets if you successfully capture them.
Colubridae green snakes are typically timid creatures, so they’ll try to get away or freeze when you try to pick them up. Thus, they’re best left to experienced handlers. Experts know how to assure snakes and cause the least stress so that the green snake will wrap itself around their hands or fingers.
Moreover, experts can better identify if the snake is harmless or venomous. Although rough and smooth green snakes are non-venomous, other green-colored snakes are, like boomslang, mamba, and leaf viper.
Where Do Green Snakes Sleep?
In the wild, you can find green snakes sleeping in shrubs and vines, beneath logs or debris, within thick leaves, and in other similar locations. You may even find rough green snakes sleeping on branches, as they are avid tree climbers. Most green snakes are diurnal, so expect them to be asleep at night.
Final Thoughts
The rough and smooth green snakes from the Colubridae family are the most common types of green snakes. Those species are non-venomous, docile, and relatively small.
However, other emerald-colored slitherers exist outside the said family, such as green vipers and mambas. These ones can be venomous and aggressive.
