The Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is a non-venomous reptile species belonging to the family Colubridae. It is known for its slender body, vibrant green coloration, and arboreal lifestyle. Below is the requested information about the Rough Green Snake:
Synonyms
- Opheodrys aestivus (LINNAEUS, 1766)1
Common Names
- Rough Green Snake
- Green Grass Snake
- Vine Snake
Natural Distribution
The Rough Green Snake is native to North America. Its range extends from southern Canada, throughout the eastern United States, and into parts of Central America. In the United States, it is primarily found east of the Mississippi River, although there are isolated populations in some western states such as Arizona and Nevada.
Conservation Status
- Least Concern (LC)
The conservation status of the Rough Green Snake is currently categorized as Least Concern by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be facing any significant threats at a global level. However, local populations may be affected by habitat loss and fragmentation.
Characteristics
Size: Rough Green Snakes are relatively small, with adults typically reaching lengths of 20 to 32 inches (50 to 80 cm).
Coloration: They have a bright, vibrant green color on their dorsal (upper) side, which helps them blend in with vegetation. The ventral (underside) side is usually pale yellow or whitish.
Body Shape: These snakes have a slender body and a long tail, enabling them to move easily through vegetation.
Scales: The scales of the Rough Green Snake are smooth and glossy.
Eyes: They have large eyes with round pupils, which indicate their diurnal (active during the day) nature.
Description
The Rough Green Snake has a slender body with smooth scales. It has large eyes with round pupils and a head that is slightly wider than the neck. The dorsal coloration is a vibrant lime green, while the ventral side is usually yellow or whitish. Their scales may have a slightly rough texture, which gives them their common name. They have a gentle and graceful appearance, and their coloration helps them blend seamlessly with foliage, making them difficult to spot.
Rough Green Snake Gallery
References
- Opheodrys aestivus (LINNAEUS, 1766) – The Reptile Database (Accessed Online, 2017)
- Opheodrys aestivus (Greensnake, Rough Greensnake, Rough Green Snake) – The IUCN red List of Threatened Species
- Rough Green Snake – By Kaelin Creange (Accessed Online, 2017)